'The Vampire Diaries' season 8 episode 7 spoilers, rumors: Nina Dobrev to appear soon?

Nina Dobrev might be appearing soon in "The Vampire Diaries" season 8. Meanwhile, will Stefan (Paul Wesley) die by the hands of Damon (Ian Somerhalder)?
The return of Nina Dobrev in "The Vampire Diaries" has been highly anticipated, especially now that the show is on its eight and final season. Previous reports confirm that executive producer Julie Plec has already talked with Dobrev about her comeback to the show and that her return to the show is only a matter of scheduling. But there has been no news about when or how she will return to the series.
There are speculations claiming that Dobrev has finished filming her first episode back on the show, which is presumed to be episode 12 of "The Vampire Diaries" season 8. So far, details about episode 12 are still kept under tight wraps, and the news of Dobrev's return on that episode cannot be confirmed yet.
Because of Dobrev's bad ties with Somerhalder, there are speculations that she will return in "The Vampire Diaries" as Katherine Pierce, not Elene Gilbert. This is for Dobrev to avoid having scenes with her ex-fiance, Somerhalder.
If Dobrev comes back as Katherine, this might cause complications in the relationship of Caroline (Candice King) and Stefan. The two are staying strong despite their recent setback caused by Cade (Wole Parks), but Katherine was Stefan's first and true love back in season 1. This would mean that Stefan would have to choose between Katherine and Caroline.
Meanwhile, Stefan might be ruining Christmas Eve for Caroline by getting killed.
In the upcoming seventh episode of "The Vampire Diaries" season 8, titled "The Next Time I Hurt Somebody, It Could Be You," Damon and Sybil (Nathalie Kelley) crashes Caroline's holiday celebration. This comes as a surprise to Alaric (Matt Davis) because he thought he had already killed him.
Meanwhile, as seen from the promo, Caroline will be drinking to Stefan's death and Damon might be responsible for it.
"The Vampire Diaries" season 8 airs every Friday at 8 p.m. EST on The CW.