Antonio Conte believes Nathan Ake is "ready to play" for Chelsea during the second half of the season.
Ake joined Bournemouth on a season-long loan deal in June but was recalled by the Blues after producing a series of impressive performances on the South Coast.
The 21-year-old, who signed for Chelsea as a youth player in 2011, has had to bide his time before being given an opportunity to establish himself in the first team at Stamford Bridge.
But Conte is adamant the Netherlands Under-21 international is finally ready to challenge for a place in his starting line up ahead of Sunday's clash against Hull City.
"Nathan came back to us because I evaluated his situation and our situation," Conte said.
"He’s a good reinforcement for us because he can play in different positions.
"In the last one-and-a-half years he has improved a lot and now he’s ready to play for Chelsea, his club, stay with us and help us.
"This is the second week he’s worked with us and he’s starting to understand our way of football. I’m pleased to have him," the Italian added.
Ake can play at both centre and right back but Conte could be lining the youngster up for a wing-back role within his preferred 3-4-3 formation.
Meanwhile, Diego Costa is also available for the clash against the Tigers, having being reintegrated into Chelsea's squad earlier this week.
Conte is adamant the Spaniard is "very happy" at Chelsea and remains willing to stay put to help the club fight for the Premier League title.
