Chelsea injury news: Thibaut Courtois to return to first team against Bournemouth

Chelsea are set to welcome back Thibaut Courtois in the squad after the Belgian has seemingly recovered from a knee injury he suffered on international duty in September. It will be a major boost for Jose Mourinho, whose title winning squad last season was built around the Belgian. The manager will be looking to push ahead after struggling to make headway in the league thus far.

The Guardian reports that Asmir Begovic, who guarded the posts for the Blues over the course of the last three months, will be dropped to the bench with Courtois taking over yet again. The defending Champions have been conceding goals for fun this season and the Belgian's presence at the back may instil some much needed confidence in the back four.

Their woeful start to the season has seen them go 14 points behind league leaders Manchester City and struggling to get themselves a place in the top four. The Belgian is back in full training after undergoing surgery on his knee and may play a part against Bournemouth this weekend to mark his return, having made his last start for the Blues against Crystal Palace in August.

The goalkeeper was initially pencilled in for a return in mid-December but has recovered sooner than expected and Mourinho is desperate to get him on the pitch against Porto in the Champions League decider next week. A loss against the Portuguese side could see Mourinho's men being relegated to the Europa League, another blow to what has already been a disconcerting season for the Blues.

Meawhile, Diego Costa is also expected to be back in the team sheet to start this weekend after being dropped to the bench against Tottenham. The striker showed his frustration at this but is unlikely to receive any sanctions from the management over his actions. The Blues are desperately looking for a replacement for Costa in January, with Jamie Vardy and Gonzalo Higuain being linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this weekend.