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Chelsea are still missing a number of key players through injury as the season approaches its climax
Chelsea’s push for Champions League qualification continues this weekend, when the Blues play host to Manchester United on Saturday night. A finish in fifth place or higher in the Premier League will guarantee a spot in Europe’s premium competition next season, but the Blues have some work to do if they’re to claw their way back into contention.
Having lost four of their last five league games, the Blues’ impressive early form under manager Liam Rosenior has fallen off a cliff. They’re now sitting in sixth, four points off Liverpool in fifth, and have just six matches left to propel themselves up the table and avoid Thursday night football in UEFA’s second or third tier competition next season.
Ahead of their must-win clash against the Red Devils, Chelsea are missing a number of key players, and they’ll be eager to get them back to full fitness so as to have the best chance of reaching their aim. Here is the latest Chelsea injury news before the crunch clash at Stamford Bridge:
Chelsea injury news latest
Jamie Gittens (hamstring) - The latest in a procession of raw young talent signed by the club, Gittens has really struggled to make an impact in his first season at Chelsea. He’s suffered a further setback in recovery from his latest injury, and Rosenior has made it clear there is no time frame available for his return at present. Expected return date: unknown.
Levi Colwill (knee) - His exceptional ability with the ball at his feet has been sorely missed by the Blues this season. Colwill hasn’t featured this campaign after suffering a brutal ACL injury last summer, but is now back in full training at least. He certainly won’t be rushed back into action - however, he could well feature in a cameo appearance or two before the campaign concludes. Expected return date: May 4th vs Nottingham Forest.
Trevoh Chalobah (ankle) - He’s now back in training, which is a huge boost for the Blues as they look to tighten up their back line. The Cobham academy product forced his way back into the side after being sent out on loan to Crystal Palace for half of last season, and is now considered a key player. Expected return date: 26th April vs Leeds United.
Reece James (thigh) - Arguably one of the best right-backs in world football on his day, James’ career so far has been hampered by a series of unfortunate injuries. He looked to be back to his best this season, only to suffer yet another setback before the most recent international break. He could be back for Leeds United in the FA Cup, but the Blues may well play it safe and wait a little longer. Expected return date: May 4th vs Nottingham Forest.
Filip Jorgensen (groin) - Chelsea have got to sort out their goalkeeper problem next season, and it’s hard to make a case for Jorgensen being their number one. He’s just had groin surgery and won’t be back until next month, as things stand. Expected return date: May 4th vs Nottingham Forest.
Will Chelsea qualify for the Champions League?
Chelsea will be looking to cling on to a number of disillusioned key players this summer, and reaching the Champions League would surely help their cause. Their hopes of doing so now rest entirely on their next half a dozen matches. Man United go into this weekend’s match without both Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez, with the centre-back duo unavailable due to their respective suspensions. This should, in theory, give the Blues a real advantage.
Aston Villa, Liverpool and United are the sides who Chelsea need to have a wobble over the coming weeks, while also putting together a run of wins themselves. After the aforementioned clash against the Red Devils, Rosenior’s side face an away day at Brighton, before hosting Nottingham Forest. The latter could also be a challenge, given Forest’s desperation to escape relegation.
A tricky trip to Liverpool follows, before the Blues could, in theory, have the opportunity to relegate Tottenham at Stamford Bridge in the penultimate game of the season. Should the top five not be decided by then, Chelsea may have to wait until a final day clash away to Sunderland to learn their Champions League qualification fate.
There’s no getting away from the fact that the Blues have looked woeful of late, with their chaotic defending in particular drawing increasing frustration from the Stamford Bridge faithful. With James and Fernandez back, however, Chelsea will be significantly strengthened, and could repeat their final day heroics of last season that saw them clinch a Champions League spot at Nottingham Forest.
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