More positive news on the Chelsea injury front has arrived in the wake of Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson returning to training. Enzo Maresca has endured a testing last few months with a number of key players picking up injuries but those worries have now hugely alleviated.
Despite missing the trip to Arsenal and pulling out of England duty, Palmer is expected to return for the home clash against Tottenham. Though he has struggled in the attacking third as of late, having him available will come as a huge boost especially with another key player expected back.
Jackson has not featured since the 2-1 victory over West Ham United in early February which coincidentally was the game where Palmer last notched a goal contribution. Though he does miss a lot chances provided for him by Palmer, his presence at the top of the pitch is so important.
Pedro Neto has looked bright as the furthest forward in Maresca's adapted system but the Chelsea boss will be glad to have Jackson back. Despite his strong displays, there is no guarantees that the Portugal international keeps his place in the starting XI with Noni Madueke having also returned to training after six weeks out.
With Chelsea not in action until Thursday, there is a real chance all of Palmer, Jackson and Madueke feature prominently, however there has already been a big injury return following the March international break for a player contracted to Chelsea.
Alfie Gilchrist has spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Sheffield United and had not featured since early February because of injury but that changed on Friday evening.
With the Blades 3-0 up at home to Coventry City, the 21-year-old came on for the final two minutes of normal time. As the promotion run-in is set to ramp up, Gilchrist could play a key role over the coming weeks for Chris Wilder and it was clear he was happy to be back.
Following his return, an Instagram story from his agent Ned Ozkasim was posted and captioned, "welcome back [muscle arm and red heart emoji] which Gilchrist reposted onto his own page.
(Image: Alfie Gilchrist on Instagram)
Sheffield United now have a free week before returning to action away at Oxford United next Saturday with seven games remaining of the season in their thrilling automatic promotion race against Leeds United and Burnley.
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Cole Palmer of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team's second goal from the penalty spot with team mate Jadon Sancho during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Stamford Bridge on September 28, 2024
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