Chelsea Eyeing Massive Fitness Boost in Race for Europa League Spot

Chelsea welcomed back six players from injury as they thrashed West Ham 5-0 on Sunday. The Blues are expecting more positive news on the injury front as they prepare for their final three matches of the season.

Chelsea Squad Size Grows as Europa League Race Heats Up

A Crucial Win

Chelsea went into their mid-week win over Tottenham with 14 injuries. However, their matchday squad against West Ham on Sunday revealed six players were ready to make their returns to the pitch.

Thiago Silva was back in the starting lineup, surviving a major injury scare that was initially thought to have ended his season. Pochettino also included Christopher Nkunku, Raheem Sterling, Malo Gusto, Axel Disasi, and Levi Colwill in his squad against the Hammers.

Chelsea revived their chances of claiming a Europa League spot with a stunning 5-0 victory over their London rivals, with Gusto, Disasi and Nkunku all coming off the bench in the second half.

More Returns?

Following the injury returns against West Ham, Chelsea’s injury list has shrunk from 14 to eight players. Wesley Fofana, Romeo Lavia and Enzo Fernandez are not expected to feature again this term.

However, the Blues have five more players who could make their returns before the end of the season. Robert Sanchez, Reece James and Lesley Ugochukwu are already back in partial training. Things don’t look as promising for Ben Chilwell and Carney Chukwuemeka, but they are both pushing for late comebacks.

What’s Next for Chelsea?

Crucial derby wins over Tottenham and West Ham have revived Pochettino’s hopes of finishing fifth in the Premier League. The Athletic journalist David Ornstein believes that failing to qualify for the Europa League will result in the 52-year-old’s sacking ahead of the next season.

Chelsea will have six days to rest before their next league game against Nottingham Forest next Saturday. Pochettino’s men will take on Brighton four days later before hosting Bournemouth in their final game of the campaign.