Chelsea have been handed a boost ahead of this weekend's huge Premier League game in the race for Champions League football against Nottingham Forest.
Enzo Maresca's men travel to the City Ground knowing they can secure a top five finish with three points. The Blues are currently fourth in the Premier League table on 66 points but could find themselves as low as seventh by the end of the season.
Forest currently occupy seventh-place after their 2-1 win over West Ham United. If Nuno Espirito Santo's side wins against Chelsea, they will have a good chance at sealing their spot in the Champions League.
Newcastle, Aston Villa and Manchester City are all also fighting to join Europe's elite in what is set to be an eventful final day of the Premier League season. However, a shock turn in fortunes at Forest could spell good news for Chelsea.
According to Foot Mercato, the Reds boss could leave the club at the end of the season. Santo replaced Steve Cooper at the City Ground last season and has oversaw a tremendous transformation from relegation fighters to Champions League hopefuls.
European football is already secured in the East Midlands but according to the report, the former Wolves and Tottenham head coach could leave. It's said 'internal tensions' between Santo and owner Evangelos Marinakis have increased, sparking doubt over his future.
Nuno Espirito Santo and Evangelos Marinakis speak on the pitch after Nottingham Forest's draw to Leicester City
Nuno Espirito Santo and Evangelos Marinakis speak on the pitch after Nottingham Forest's draw to Leicester City (Image: PA)
Nearly two weeks ago, Marinakis caused controversy by storming the City Ground pitch following their disappointing 2-2 draw with rivals Leicester City. The draw extended their run of just one win in six games to fracture their Champions League bid.
The Forest owner has been a regular in the headlines since Forest were promoted to the Premier League in 2022.
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Cole Palmer of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team's second goal from the penalty spot with team mate Jadon Sancho during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Stamford Bridge on September 28, 2024
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