Mauricio Pochettino has received a significant fitness boost ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League showdown with West Ham, with hopes of welcoming back a crucial duo from injury. Despite enduring a season plagued by fitness setbacks, Chelsea’s injury list, though still lengthy, could potentially shrink by three for Sunday’s match.
For Thursday’s encounter against Tottenham, Pochettino opted for an unchanged starting lineup from the draw against Aston Villa. However, the additions of Thiago Silva and Axel Disasi to the injury roster left the Blues with just ten fit senior players.
Nevertheless, Chelsea delivered a stellar performance to defeat Tottenham, offering potential injury comebacks for Levi Colwill and Christopher Nkunku. “They were training today normally,” remarked Pochettino ahead of the Tottenham clash. “We prepared for the game tomorrow, we were doing some set-pieces, tactical work, and meetings. They are nearly there, but they have not yet crossed the line. Maybe they will be ready for Sunday against West Ham. We hope.”
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While no further updates were provided after Thursday’s victory, it is anticipated that both Colwill and Nkunku will be available on the bench against West Ham. Additionally, club captain Reece James has resumed team training following a hamstring operation in December. Given his recent injury struggles, James’s return will likely involve careful management of his workload.
With the season drawing to a close, several Chelsea players may not feature again, including Enzo Fernandez, Romeo Lavia, Lesley Ugochukwu, and Wesley Fofana. However, there remains a possibility for appearances from players like Robert Sanchez, Raheem Sterling, and Carney Chukwuemeka.
Following the West Ham clash, Chelsea still have three matches remaining, including away trips to Nottingham Forest and Brighton before concluding their season at home against Bournemouth. Sitting three points behind sixth-placed Manchester United, Chelsea harbor hopes of securing a late push for a Europa League qualification spot.