Chelsea host Tottenham at Stamford Bridge on Thursday in a vital match in the race for a top-four place in the Premier League - and Enzo Maresca welcomes back three key players
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Head Coach Enzo Maresca of Chelsea during a press conference
Enzo Maresca is delighted to have three key players back
(Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Chelsea’s pursuit of a place in the Premier League’s top four has been given a timely boost by the return to fitness of three key attackers. The Blues are involved in a fierce battle for fourth place and have struggled with inconsistency recently, losing three of their last five in the league.
Leaving aside their 4-0 win over hopeless bottom club Southampton, Chelsea’s attack has managed just six goals in their last eight games in all competitions. Injuries have been an important factor in their lack of attacking output, with Enzo Maresca fielding winger Pedro Neto as a centre-forward due to the lack of availability.
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But the international break came at a good time for Chelsea, who now have key trio Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson available for selection when they host Tottenham on Thursday.
“Cole is back, he's okay. He's better. Noni is better. Nico is better. They are all good,” Maresca said in his pre-match press conference.
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Palmer struggled with illness before missing the Arsenal game with a hamstring injury. Chelsea are desperate for him to rediscover his best form after he failed to register a single goal or assist in his last 10 appearances across all competitions.
Madueke has been sidelined with a hamstring injury picked up in the 3-0 defeat at Brighton on February 14, while Jackson has been unavailable with a hamstring issue since a win over West Ham on February 3. Their return means Maresca can now pick his first-choice attack for the Spurs game.
“Very good. We've said many times, it is a game for players and when they are not there, you struggle,” the Chelsea boss said. “This has happened with us this season. Now it is good to finish with all of them.
Cole Palmer
Cole Palmer has been out of form recently(Image: AP)
“No matter who is playing, we want to be direct and quick when they press higher. We cannot be direct and quick if they sit back. In our last three home games, they have all been games with every player behind the ball. When you have players who love to run in behind, it is easier.
“Since day one, they are giving everything. The attitude has always been top, every day, and even in the last week because they know how important it is from now on. Every game becomes important. We have nine games to go and hopefully we can finish well.”
Mykhailo Mudryk remains unavailable as the investigation into his suspension for testing positive for a banned substance continues, while Romeo Lavia is unlikely to play a role against Spurs either. “He was doing better in terms of progress but unfortunately one or two days ago he had a small problem, so we will see in the next hours,” Maresca said of his midfielder.
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