Report: Courtois returns to Chelsea training ahead of FA Cup clash

Chelsea could be handed a massive boost between the pipes for Saturday's FA Cup semi-final tilt with Tottenham, with reports suggesting that first-choice shot-stopper Thibaut Courtois has returned to training.

Courtois, 24, was absent for last weekend's 2-0 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford with an ankle injury. Asmir Begovic deputised for the Belgian international.

According to Sky Sports, Courtois worked with Chelsea's goalkeeping coach on Wednesday at the club's Colney facility with plans to join full first-team training on Thursday.

A potential return for Courtois would be both a massive lift for the player and the club after reports surfaced suggesting the towering netminder was hurt playing basketball during a promotional shoot. Blues boss Antonio Conte has refused to comment on those rumours.

Related - Report: Courtois injured while playing basketball in promotional shoot

Courtois has played in all but one of Chelsea's league matches this season and took over FA Cup duties from Begovic for the 1-0 quarter-final victory over United on March 13. The former Genk academy product leads England's top flight with 13 clean sheets.