Cech boost for Chelsea

As Chelsea continue their pursuit of Bolton striker Nicolas Anelka, there could be a welcome boost for manager Avram Grant at the other end of the pitch with the return of goalkeeper Petr Cech for Saturday's showdown against Tottenham.

A deal for Anelka remains on the cards but may be held up by Bolton's determination to secure a fee of around £15million. Grant, though, could well be able to call on Cech for the first time since Boxing Day after the Czech international joined up with the rest of the squad's training session on Thursday.

Cech told Chelsea TV: "There is always the possibility to play now again, but I have to first train with the team and see how I am in terms of fitness, but if all goes well I am still positive there is a good chance I could play against Tottenham."

He added: "It is one of worst things for a footballer, to watch from the sidelines, and it is quite frustrating.

"But I have been quite patient, professional and always give 100% in what I am told to do.

"Recently I have been training hard, returning to fitness and the injury reacted very well, so hopefully I am on the way back.

"There is always the possibility to play now again, but I have to first train with the team and see how I am in terms of fitness, but if all goes well I am still positive there is a good chance I could play against Tottenham."

Grant is in need of reinforcements in attack given Ivory Coast duo Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou are on international duty at the African Nations' Cup, and Andriy Shevchenko is still sidelined with a leg injury.

Anelka's advisor Doug Pingisi, meanwhile, claims his client has sights set on Stamford Bridge.

"He really wants to go to Chelsea," Pingisi said. "Nicolas is calm. He hopes that everything will be finalised this week."