Chelsea handed huge boost as key players return to training
Chelsea handed huge boost as key players return to training. Chelsea FC and head coach Enzo Maresca, have been handed a huge boost by the return of four first-team players to team training, ahead of their next weekend’s Premier League clash with London rivals, West Ham United.
Recall Enzo Fernandez alongside new summer recruit Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, were both reported to have been absent from the recent 1-0 win over Bournemouth due to illness, while fellow midfielder Romeo Lavia was missing for a fourth game in all competitions because of a hamstring irritation. Fullback Malo Gusto also returned to training, after missing out due to an injury as well.
But all four returned to training on Monday in a significant lift for boss Enzo Maresca, who’s slowing getting to grips with his squad, after a tumultuous pre-season and transfer window.
Jadon Sancho was reported by the BBC to not be part of the main training group, due to him engaging in a recovery session. The winger played his first football in more than a month as a second half substitute against Bournemouth, ultimately setting up the only goal of the game for Christopher Nkunku‘s winner.
There is nothing to suggest that Sancho would be any sort of doubt moving forward.
The returns of Fernandez, Dewsbury-Hall, Lavia and Gusto almost completely clears Chelsea’s injury list, but club captain Reece James remains out with a hamstring problem. Having been limited to only 11 appearances and 482 minutes across all competitions last season, the right-back is yet to feature at all in 2024/25 and doesn’t appear close to being available either.
Chelsea are due to face Barrow in the third round of the Carabao Cup on 24 September, but their European campaign in the UEFA Conference League doesn’t get underway until the first week of October, when they welcome Belgian side Gent at Stamford Bridge.
Before then, the Blues would also face Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League.
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