Lost amongst the hysteria of Rafa Benitez's sly revelation that "someone we all know" is returning to be Chelsea's new manager in the summer was the rather interesting notice that Oriol Romeu is back in full training.
Benitez reports Eden Hazard could be available but Mikel and Bertrand look set to miss out. Oriol Romeu could play some part. #CFC
— Chelsea FC (@chelseafc) May 7, 2013
This is obviously quite good news for all concerned. Romeu's a good young talent whose season was unfortunately cut short by a nasty knee injury which required major surgery. We heard back in March that he was "2-3 months away" and that timeline seems right on schedule, to the point there's rumours suggesting he'll feature on the bench in Wednesday's crucial tie with Tottenham Hotspur.
I don't buy into these much - there's little need for Chelsea to involve a fringe player returning from major injury in a game of such significance, even if John Obi Mikel is not available. Two of Frank Lampard, Ramires and David Luiz is enough.
What is a more realistic proposition is Romeu featuring in some capacity in Chelsea's final two Premier League games against Aston Villa and Everton. Again, there's no real need to thrust him back into first team, as you obviously want to ensure his rehabilitation is inch-perfect, but he might see a cameo from the Spaniard as the clock winds down on Chelsea's season.
Attention will turn to Romeu's future, but we should really just be happy that he is fit and healthy again. You never like to see a player laid low for any period of time, and it's a relief to simply see Romeu back amongst training again. We've missed having you around, Oriol.