With the international break nearly over and players are set to return from international duties, players will look forward to their club engagement this weekend.
The international break is not usually the best of time for club managers. Aside the boredom of not having much to do with most senior and first team players off to represent their national sides, there is the fear that grips every manager even as they keep tabs on all their players hoping non of the player return nursing any form of injury.
And as the most of the senior players return to Cobham centre to start getting prepared for the game against Crystal Palace on Sartuday at the Selhurst Park in London, we quickly do an update on the team’s injury news.
- Thibaut Courtios: The Belgian was substituted in the 24th minute of the Arsenal game after a collision with Alexis Sanchez left him with a head injury. There were fears over the extent of the injury but precautionary test carried out on the head injury came back all clear. The player was cleared to play for his national side in their Euro 2016 qualifiers against Andorra and Bosnia and Hezergovina. He played all 90minutes in both matches and came out unscathed. His return will be good news to Jose Mourinho who seems to prefer the 22-year-old to Petr Cech. He will look to continue his impressive form after keeping two clean sheets prior to his injury in the Arsenal game. His understanding with his centre backs has also improved in recent games and he will hope to continue from where he left off when he returns against Crystal Palace.
- Ramires: Ramires picked up a muscle injury in the game against Manchester City and missed the capital one cup against Bolton Wanderers. He also missed the Aston Villa, Sporting Lisbon and Arsenal game. He is set to return this weekend against Palace. In his absence the club has really done well winning all of the four games they played without him. Fabregas has strucked a good partnership with Matic and Mikel Obi has come in and did a fantastic job when called upon. His return will give Mourinho options in the bench. He can also come in and play in the right flank as he has been used to.
- Didier Drogba: The big Ivorian aggravated an ankle injury before the game against Sporting CP and could be out for a couple of week more. Chelsea will need to give him time to get his ankle properly healed as there won’t be a need rushing him. Diego Costa has come in and has been getting the goals. Loic Remy is also a capable back-up for Costa, so his continued absence shouldn’t be source of concern.
- Eden Hazard: Hazard was diagnosed of a bad toe while on national duty with Belgium. He was excused from the side’s 6-0 win over Andorra as a precautionary measure, but returned to action in Belgium’s 1-1 draw away to Bosnia and Hezergovina. He played all 90minutes and it doesn’t look he is having any more trouble with the toe. He should be available against Palace. The club has really benefited from his form early in this season and his presence is always a nightmare for opposition defenders.
- Andre Schurrle The German is said to be struggling with cold and has been left out of Germany’s Euro 2016 qualifiers against Republic of Ireland. The player returns to Chelsea but may not be available for the weekend game at Selhurst Park. He has been brilliant so far this season but in his absence Willian can do a good job on the flank. Egyptian Mohammed Salah could also be a capable replacement.