Calum McFarlane has provided an injury update ahead of Chelsea's clash against Leeds United. The Blues could welcome a couple of big names back to the matchday squad when they face Daniel Farke's side in the FA Cup semi-final on Sunday afternoon.
Speaking to reporters at Cobham on Friday afternoon, McFarlane began by ruling out Estevao Willian for the remainder of the season. The 19-year-old winger suffered a hamstring injury during Chelsea's defeat to Manchester United last week.
"Estevao unfortunately won't play for us this season," said the 40-year-old, who was appointed as interim head coach on Wednesday night following the sacking of Liam Rosenior. "He is going to be out for a little bit of time. We're here to support him."
In whether Estevao could miss the World Cup, McFarlane said: "I'm not sure on that if I'm honest. He won't be available for us. I'm sure he's very hopeful he can make the World Cup but I don't know on that."
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McFarlane also provided an update on Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro, who both missed the defeat to Brighton on Tuesday night. The former has suffered a hamstring injury, meanwhile, the latter was nursing a 'minor thigh problem'.
The Blues boss confirmed that Palmer and Pedro trained ahead of this weekend's clash, but will still need to undergo a late fitness test before facing Leeds. McFarlane said: "Joao and Cole, they trained, they're in a good place. We don't know yet, we'll make a call tomorrow."
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The former under-21s head coach will want to lead Chelsea back to winning ways, having lost and failed to score in each of the last three games across all competitions. Reflecting on the defeat to Brighton, McFarlane said: "We definitely need to improve the performance.
"It wasn't good enough versus Brighton, we know that. We need to figure out the reasons why and make sure the group are in a better place for Sunday."
McFarlane continued: "The performance wasn't good enough. Everyone associated with the club knows that. Brighton were very good and they didn't get enough credit, but our performance wasn't good enough."
Liam Rosenio acknowledges Chelsea fans following the defeat to Brighton
Liam Rosenio acknowledges Chelsea fans following the defeat to Brighton (Image: (Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images))
On whether he's 'cleared the air' with the player, McFarlane said: "We haven't had a clear-the-air meeting. We've got the group focused on Sunday. It's really important we have a real focus for the game on Sunday."
The interim Chelsea gaffer added: "Everyone's excited, the whole group, the whole club - it's why we do the job we do. I have a really good relationship with the players. Our process will be the same as the last time I was an interim."
On whether the squad are united, McFarlane said: "We've spoken to the group about the remaining games and what's still to play for. Everyone is united. We want to win every game from now until the end of the season."