Chelsea released footage from their training base, where preparations have been in place before the Premier League trip to Anfield this weekend
06:00, 09 May 2026
Reece James is closed down by Malo Gusto
Reece James was among the Chelsea players who trained ahead of Liverpool
Chelsea’s players have been working at the club’s Cobham Training Centre in preparation for this weekend’s trip to Anfield.
Just a few weeks ago, the Blues looked set to rival Liverpool and Aston Villa for the final Champions League place. However, a dismal run of six consecutive Premier League defeats means the London club is out of the race for a top-five spot and, currently ninth in the table, may miss out on a European place altogether.
A defeat at Anfield would certainly enhance that possibility, with Liverpool hopeful of extending Chelsea’s torrid run of form. Ahead of the game, Chelsea published footage from its training base this week, and we’ve picked out three notable events ahead of the Premier League clash.
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Returning defenders
Interim head coach Calum McFarlane confirmed prior to the match that Reece James and Levi Colwill could start this weekend, and the pair were involved in the latest training footage.
James has not played since March 14 with a hamstring injury but was back on the bench for Monday’s 3-0 defeat at the hands of Nottingham Forest. The right-back’s absence has been keenly felt in that time, and his return is a boost for England ahead of the World Cup.
Colwill may also harbor hopes of a place in Thomas Tuchel’s roster, although that looks unlikely given he has missed almost the entire season to date due to a serious knee injury. He played 45 minutes against Forest and is expected to feature again at Anfield.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JULY 13: Levi Colwill of Chelsea looks on during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 final match between Chelsea FC and Paris Saint-Germain at MetLife Stadium on July 13, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images)
Levi Colwill came off the bench against Forest(Image: Photo Agency/Getty Images)
Keeping tabs
One man who won’t be involved is Robert Sanchez, after the ex-Brighton goalkeeper collided with Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White earlier this week and suffered a nasty head wound. The stopper was not part of the training footage, but Filip Jorgensen and Gaga Solina were given plenty of camera time.
The goalkeeping unit looked sharp during their drills, and Jorgensen is set to make his third Premier League start of the season this weekend.
Robert Sanchez collides with Morgan Gibbs-White
Robert Sanchez collided with Morgan Gibbs-White in the recent defeat to Nottingham Forest(Image: Getty Images)
Unexpected threat
Friday’s video ended with several players taking part in shooting drills. Unsurprisingly, the powerful Liam Delap was on song, while James impressed with some accurate dead-ball routines.
But the sight of defender Jorrel Hato arcing a free-kick in was slightly less expected. The 20-year-old, who was linked with a move to Liverpool last summer, has yet to score in the Premier League, but curled in a sublime effort with his left foot.
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Don’t be surprised to see the Dutchman standing over a dead ball at Anfield, if the opportunity arises.