Tottenham Hotspur’s challenge at Stamford Bridge on Thursday has just got a little harder, with Enzo Maresca confirming that Chelsea have been boosted by the return of three key men ahead of the London derby.
While there is no doubt that the Europa League takes centre stage for Tottenham at this stage of the season, the Lilywhites are under pressure to achieve a respectable Premier League finish.
They are currently languishing in 14th place in the table and defeat against Chelsea would further pile the pressure on their head coach, with Ange Postecoglou already thought to be fighting for his job.
The latest news regarding the Blues’ injury situation has made life even more difficult for the Australian and his team ahead of their trip to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea
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Enzo Maresca confirms return of three injured Chelsea players
Ahead of the big clash on Thursday, Maresca has now confirmed that Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke and Noni Madueke are all expected to be fit for the derby.
When asked about Chelsea’s injury situation, the Italian coach responded (via Nizaar Konsella): “Cole Palmer is back, he is okay. Noni Madueke is better. Nico Jackson is better. They are all good.”
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That means that Tottenham will have to be at their best to get a result at Stamford Bridge. Spurs fans have already received an injury update on Dejan Kulusevski and Kevin Danso from Ange Postecoglou ahead of the derby clash.
Ironically, Tottenham have been linked with a move for Noni Madueke recently, with the winger having come through the Spurs academy.
Chris Sutton expects Tottenham and Chelsea to play out a five-goal thriller
Chelsea undoubtedly come into the game as favourites, given how poor Tottenham have been away from home this season.
However, Chris Sutton expects Tottenham and Chelsea to play out a high-scoring thriller and believes that the two sides will only be separated by one goal.
The former Celtic striker said about the London derby: “This is a great game to finish the week off. It ended up 4-3 to Chelsea earlier in the season, and there are likely to be a few more goals this time too.
“Chelsea have players like Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke back from injury to bolster their attack, but Spurs have got some key players like Micky van de Ven fit again too.
“Tottenham’s league campaign has been disappointing—it is winning the Europa League or bust for them—while Chelsea are still chasing the Champions League places.
“Spurs looked tired to me before the international break, so it will be interesting to see what they are like here. We know how exciting they can be on their day, it is just those days have been few and far between this season.
“Chelsea have been a bit flat as well, but maybe this is the game where both teams come to life and serve up a thriller—that is what I am hoping for anyway.”
READ MORE: How to watch Chelsea vs Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League
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