Antonio Conte has revealed that German defender Antonio Rudiger could face Barcelona in Chelsea’s Champions League last-16 decider.
The centre-back has been suffering from a muscle problem, which kept him out of Chelsea’s 2-1 victory against Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
The injury though, is not seen as serious and is likely to recover in time to travel to the Nou Camp next week.
Speaking of the issue, as confirmed by the club’s official Twitter account, Conte said:
Maybe on Wednesday he had a little injury, but there is the possibility to recover to be in contention for the Barcelona game. It was a muscular fatigue, not a strain.
Chelsea head into the game with a good chance of progressing after a 1-1 first-leg draw at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues have disappointed in the Premier League this season, and find themselves in a huge fight to finish in the top four.
Conte will be desperate to progress into the next round of the competition with the Blues facing a battle to finish inside the top four.
A defeat in this tie will make the FA Cup the only piece of silverware available for Conte this season.
