Enzo Fernandez will return to the Chelsea starting lineup when they host Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Chelsea will be desperate to return to winning ways and remain in contention for a top-five finish in the Premier League when they welcome Manchester United to Stamford Bridge on Saturday night. Liam Rosenior has received a positive update on the team news front ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Enzo Fernandez is available after serving a two-game internal suspension. Additionally, Reece James (hamstring) and Trevoh Chalobah (ankle) are close to returning after their layoffs, and they may face late fitness tests to determine their availability.
However, Filip Jorgensen (groin), Levi Colwill (knee), and Jamie Gittens (thigh) remain on the sidelines, while Mykhailo Mudryk continues his ban after failing a doping test over a year ago. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Rosenior provided fitness updates on James, Colwill, and Chalobah. Additionally, the English tactician discussed Fernandez’s impending return.
The Chelsea head coach said, “Enzo has been with the group and has been training very, very well. So, it’s business as usual in terms of selection for the game. Enzo has come back to the group this week, and the group has been fantastic. In terms of his training, his application to training, Enzo has been fantastic as well.”
“Trevoh trained today. Not quite fully; it was modified training. We’ll make a decision on him, but he’s very, very close. Reece is a little bit further away. I’m hoping [we’ll see Levi before the end of the season] as Levi is an outstanding player and a leader in the dressing room.”
“Levi will play some minutes with the Under-21s tomorrow, which is fantastic for him. When you have a long-term injury, to the extent of Levi’s injury, you need a long rehab period. I want to make sure he is 100 per cent right in terms of his match fitness before we consider him for our first team. It [the game] has not been set up especially for him, but it’s something that we think is right for him in this moment.”
Robert Sanchez is an automatic pick between the sticks, with Chelsea lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in front of him against Manchester United on Saturday. The backline will feature Malo Gusto, Wesley Fofana, Jorrel Hato, and Marc Cucurella.
As for the midfield unit, there is no looking past Moises Caicedo and Andrey Santos in the double pivot, with the returning Enzo Fernandez reprising the no. 10 role. Finally, Joao Pedro will lead the line for the home side against Manchester United, with Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto being the two wide attackers.
Predicted Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Hato, Cucurella; Caicedo, Santos; Palmer, Enzo Fernandez, Neto; Joao Pedro