Calum McFarlane is set to take charge of Chelsea’s next game against Fulham this Wednesday.
While Liam Rosenior is expected to become Chelsea’s new manager, nothing has been made official yet, with the current Strasbourg boss still in France.
After the Blues’ performance against Manchester City last weekend, fans will not mind having McFarlane in the dugout for another match.
Chelsea’s impressive record at Craven Cottage 🔥
Chelsea have won seven of their last eight games away at Fulham! What do they have to do to bag another one? 🤔
An empty Craven Cottage
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His tactics saw Chelsea earn a point at the Etihad, and they did it without first-choice left-back Marc Cucurella.
Enzo Fernandez and Marc Cucurella of Chelsea interact
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Marc Cucurella in training ahead of Fulham clash
Cucurella was absent for the 1-1 draw with City because of a small injury but should be available for selection for the trip to Craven Cottage.
On Monday, Chelsea’s official club website posted a picture of the defender in training, so he appears to be fit.
It is a major boost for McFarlane, with Cucurella being such a crucial player for the Club World Cup winners.
Finish off our XI to face Fulham!
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This season, the 27-year-old has made 25 appearances in all competitions. In the Premier League, he has made 17 starts.
Another player who did not feature at the Etihad despite making the bench was Tosin Adarabioyo. However, according to McFarlane, Adarabioyo still had a role in the positive result, helping to keep the dressing room together following Enzo Maresca’s shock exit.
Calum McFarlane, Interim Manager of Chelsea, celebrates
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No need to rush Marc Cucurella back
If Cucurella is not 100% fit yet, Chelsea can afford to be cautious with him. Again, he is a key player for the Conference League holders, while Fulham will not be easy opponents, but McFarlane has another capable left-back whom he can call upon.
Jorrel Hato was excellent against City and probably deserves a starting opportunity following his performance in Manchester.
The Dutchman was underused by Maresca, so it will now be interesting to see what Rosenior does with him going forward. It is thought that Ajax want to re-sign Hato on loan, but a temporary or permanent exit this month would leave Chelsea very short in the left-back department.
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