The Frenchman last played for the Blues in our 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur way back in August and despite nearing a return in the winter months, his spell in the treatment room was prolonged due to surgery.

The midfielder's return is a timely and huge boost for Graham Potter's squad, with his experience and guile in the engine room thoroughly missed.

The Blues play nine games in April once the international break finalises. He has played in just two of our 32 matches so far this term, but could feature tonight, says Potter.

'N'Golo is back for the weekend. He is in the squad, which is fantastic news for everybody. We have missed him a lot with his injury, it is great that he is back.

'We must be careful with him as he has been out for a while but nevertheless delighted he is back in the squad,' he added.

'We are looking forward to seeing him back on the pitch!'