Chelsea have one foot in the Conference League quarter-finals following a 2-1 win away from home in the Round of 16 first leg against Copenhagen.
Goals from Reece James and Enzo Fernandez in the second half saw them pick up an advantage ahead of the return to Stamford Bridge, despite conceding a late goal.
James was the star of the show as far as Chelsea were concerned, with him continuing to show that he can be a real asset in midfield for the Blues.
Some of the youngsters were given the opportunity too. Tyrique George impressed as a starter, however Shumaira Mheuka failed to make any real impact on proceedings.
Photo by Patrik Lundin/Getty Images
Photo by Patrik Lundin/Getty Images
Malo Gusto set for quick return from injury during Chelsea vs Copenhagen
While Benoit Badiashile and Trevoh Chalobah returned from injuries, it looked as if the Blues were going to have to add another name to their list of wounded stars after the early stages.
Malo Gusto was forced off in the first half with a foot injury. The Frenchman had started at left-back as the Blues looked to hand Marc Cucurella a rest.
Despite not being able to continue, it looks as if Chelsea have got lucky with the incident involving Gusto. Enzo Maresca stated after the game that he expects him to be fit for this weekend’s return to the Premier League against Leicester.
He told Football London: “He’s okay and he’s better. They told me he can be ready for Sunday’s game, so hopefully we can have him for Sunday.”
Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
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Gusto has played an important role for the Blues this season, being the starting right-back for the majority of the campaign.
Chelsea can afford to rest Gusto vs Leicester
Given the Blues are facing one of the sides in the relegation zone at the weekend, there should be no need to risk players who are doubts in any way due to injury.
There is an argument that Moises Caicedo should be rested, with the Ecuadorian one yellow card away from a suspension and a big game against Arsenal to come.
With Reece James and youngster Josh Acheampong in their ranks, there are plenty of options for the manager to choose from for a right-back, with Cucurella likely to return to starting action.