Deco on course for Preston comeback

Too soon: Deco probably won't feature against Sunderland
11 April 2012

Deco has returned to training and could play in Chelsea's fourth-round FA Cup tie against Preston.

The midfielder has been sidelined since injuring his hamstring against Portsmouth a month ago.

Deco is unlikely to feature in Saturday's clash with Sunderland but should be fit for the match against the Championship side at Deepdale on 23 January.

It gives Carlo Ancelotti's side a lift as they are already without midfielders John Obi Mikel and Michael Essien this month because they are playing in the African Cup of Nations.

Meanwhile, captain John Terry is upset the club have blown their chance to establish a healthy lead in the title race. Manchester United and Arsenal both failed to win last weekend, but still closed to within one and three points respectively of Chelsea.

The Blues boasted an 11-point lead over Arsenal after beating them at the end of November, while United trailed by four more points. Terry said: "We can't afford any more slip-ups."

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