Chelsea could be boosted by the return of three players for Thursday’s Premier League clash with London rivals Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge.
While Mykhaylo Mudryk (suspended), Marc Guiu and Omari Kellyman (both hamstring) all remain unavailable for selection, Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke could be fit to return to Enzo Maresca‘s matchday squad.
Palmer was ruled out of the 1-0 loss at Arsenal prior to the international break due to a muscle injury and subsequently withdrew from the England squad, but the playmaker – who scored two penalties in the thrilling 4-3 win at Spurs in November – returned to training last week and will hope to be involved in some capacity on Thursday.
Fellow attackers Jackson and Madueke have also returned to training after spells out with hamstring injuries and, along with Palmer, will be assessed ahead of kickoff.
The potential return of both Palmer and Jackson could see Pedro Neto move from a makeshift central role over to the right flank, while Jadon Sancho and Christopher Nkunku may battle for a start on the left side of attack.
Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo are the most likely duo to start in centre-midfield. Reece James played in midfield against Arsenal, but he could revert to right-back with Wesley Fofana potentially moved across into the heart of the defence alongside Levi Colwill.
Marc Cucurella is set to continue at left-back, while Maresca will decide whether to stick with goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, who has started three of Chelsea’s last four games in all competitions, or recall Filip Jorgensen between the sticks.
Chelsea possible starting lineup: Sanchez; James, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson
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