Falcao could be considered for Chelsea place

Radamel Falcao could return to the Chelsea squad after the international break, boss Guus Hiddink has said.

The on-loan Monaco striker has not played since the 3-1 home defeat by Liverpool in October due to a string of niggling injuries.

However, the Colombian – whose only goal in 10 appearances for the Blues came against Crystal Palace in August – has been in intensive training over the last 10 days.

He will not be fit in time for the visit of West Ham this Saturday but Hiddink hinted he could be considered for the trip to Aston Villa on 2 April.

The Blues boss said: “He has recovered physically from the injury and now he has to regain his physical fitness.

“I will see after the break whether he is fully competitive. We have to wait [to see] how he reacts on the more intensive training he is now undergoing.”

Hiddink confirmed another on-loan forward, Alexandre Pato, would see out the season at Stamford Bridge, and may be given a chance in the final eight games having twice been an unused substitute.