I guess my point is that what Chris tells the media bares no resemblance to reality (and rightly so). Our opposition should be guessing who we'll play right up to the last possible moment.
In Chris's world "very close" means being able to stand on the touchline and watch training [propped up on crutches or with the help of two burly physios]. Basically, unless they are in a coma, they can be "very close to training with the rest of the team"!