Blackpool keeper Richard Kingson is finally expected to arrive at Bloomfield Road this week.
The Ghana stopper has been waiting for his work permit but the matter is close to being resolved.
With Paul Rachubka injured and not selected in Pool's Premier League squad of 25, Kingson will provide competition for Matt Gilks and Mark Halstead.
The 32-year-old's absence for the Chelsea game cost him a reunion with one of his best mates in football – Michael Essien.
The Chelsea star, a fellow Ghana international, said: "Richard is a very good friend, like he's my big brother.
"Over the years he has been giving me advice and always talking to me. Richard is just a very nice man, so I'm happy for him to be in England with a new club."
Kingson previously played for Birmingham and Wigan but failed to nail down a place.
However, he was one of the stars of the World Cup, producing some fine performances to help Ghana reach the quarter-finals, losing to Uruguay on penalties.