Antonio Conte has been closely monitoring the progress of Chelsea loanee Nathan Ake at Bournemouth, with the defender - who has netted three times in 10 appearances - due to visit Stamford Bridge with the Cherries on Monday.
Eddie Howe won't be able to select the 21-year-old, who has impressed since breaking into the side at left-back, on Boxing Day due to Premier League rules not allowing players on temporary loans to face their parent club.
Lampard to carry on playing - Conte
Chelsea have yet to decide on whether they will bring Ake back into their first team squad but Conte has admitted that he and his coaching staff at Chelsea have been impressed with the Netherlands U21 international's impact at the Vitality Stadium.
“Now, the most important thing is that Ake is playing very well and doing a great experience with this club," Conte said at a news conference at Cobham Training Centre. "Then, for the future, I prefer to talk also for this topic with the club.
"But I repeat: the most important thing now is that Ake is having a fantastic experience, playing very well and improving a lot.”
>
.....
- Goal