Chelsea and England defensive duo John Terry and Ashley Cole have returned to first-team training, providing a welcome boost to Carlo Ancelotti and his Blues squad.

Skipper Terry injured his Achilles in the build-up to the Three Lions 1-0 defeat to Brazil in Qatar on Saturday, but is now well on the road to recovery.

Former Arsenal full-back Cole initially injured his leg in his side's home tie against Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League and then aggravated the injury further on his comeback in the reverse fixture.

The pair could be available for Saturday's game against Wolves at Stamford Bridge, while the league leaders are also hopeful Didier Drogba, Michael Ballack and Deco will also recover from knocks.

Both Terry and Cole participated in training at Chelsea's Cobham headquarters on Tuesday, but only in non-contact sessions.

It was initially feared Cole would be out for up to six weeks, but the 28-year-old has now recovered after needing a pain-killing injection to play against Manchester United before the international break.

Ancelotti and his side remain five points clear at the top of the table having played a game more than second-placed rivals Arsenal, but will definitely be without Frank Lampard for the next three weeks.