Chelsea have received a huge morale boost as strikers Marc Guiu and Christopher Nkunku returned to first-team training today (May 20). This comes ahead of their vital Premier League tie against Nottingham Forest and the upcoming final of the UEFA Conference League. Their return could not have been better timed for the Blues as they fight to earn Champions League qualification and European glory.
Guiu has been out of action since the opening weeks of February, when he was last in contention. He has trained with the squad, perhaps a sign that he would return to matchday duty. Meanwhile, Nkunku has endured a stop-start season with relentless injuries. He also trained and presented manager Enzo Maresca with an added attacking option.
At the same time, captain Reece James and forward Nicolas Jackson practiced individually with the remaining squad. There has been no indication that the two have incurred a new injury, which might mean that their individual sessions are included in load management protocols. Also recently recalled in between the sticks was Gabriel Slonina, who trained with the goalkeeping unit, thus returning to the team.
In a dramatic turn of events, striker David Datro Fofana, who had been suffering from a knee injury was also seen training on the field.
Chelsea Plan for Final Games This Season
Chelsea are chasing a spot in the Premier League top-five by the end of the season. They are also lined up for the Conference League final against Real Betis. The return of Chelsea’s big players to training is an unwanted boost at the perfect moment for the Blues as they aim for a good ending to the season.
Manager Enzo Maresca reinforced the importance of the matches, stating:
“The focus with the players is just about Nottingham Forest and then after that it will be the final. For each game we try to play our strongest XI.”