Enzo Maresca will have been preparing for this weekend’s trip to Burnley from the moment the international break began, but two returning stars may force a change in approach.
Chelsea return to action this weekend with a trip to Turf Moor in the 12th round of Premier League action.
The Blues hold third spot heading into the weekend, and will see a clash with a newly promoted side as the perfect opportunity to put points on the board, and pressure on those ahead.
Chelsea trained at Cobham on Monday, and a couple of injured stars were spotted in action with the team.
Pedro Neto and Benoit Badiashile spotted in Chelsea training
Chelsea have had injuries coming thick and fast in the opening weeks of the season, making their current league standing all the more impressive.
Benoit Badiashile’s Chelsea return was a possibility from last week, but he was only training in an individual capacity. Images from Cobham now show him back in action with his teammates, suggesting he could be available for Saturday’s clash.
That was encouraging to see, but somewhat expected after the updates last week. Less expected was an attacker returning in Pedro Neto.
He was dealing with a groin issue after returning to face his old side, Wolves, and was forced out of international duty as a result. But he, too, has been seen training with the team.
Neto or Badiashile to start against Burnley
Maresca will be thrilled to have two players back in contention for the weekend, but will his lineup be affected?
Estevao Willian has been on fire for Brazil over the break, and Neto hasn’t a hope of displacing him at the weekend. But Badiashile might just get a look in.
Maresca has been busy experimenting with different centre-back pairings, but when the Frenchman has been fit, the Italian has used him to great effect.
Chelsea have come through their mini-crisis, and now have Josh Acheampong, Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana, Jorrel Hato and Badiashile all available.
So it will be very interesting to see who Maresca starts on Saturday. It will tell us a lot about where he sees this defence going as the season wears on.