Team News: Chelsea receive massive boost as key trio return from injury ahead of Aston Villa clash
According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea injury and Covid-19 riddled stars Romelu Lukaku, Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Andreas Christensen have returned to training ahead of the game against Aston Villa.
The Blues have been playing with a depleted squad for over a week now. The victory against Leeds United 2 weeks ago felt like the Blues had dug themselves out of a tight hole but followed was seven first-team stars testing positive for Covid-19.
However, to the delight of Thomas Tuchel, Romelu Lukaku and Callum Hudson-Odoi have now returned from isolation. The new rules require the players that have tested positive to produce a negative test on days six and seven, after which they can come out of quarantine. Ben Chilwell also tested negative but shall remain out for the game against Aston Villa.
Andreas Christensen missed the clash against Wolves last weekend and was absent for the midweek Carabao Cup tie against Brentford. But he, too, has returned to training and could be available for the trip to Villa Park.
Getting back to full strength
It has been a rather tumultuous four weeks for the West London club. Two victories out of the last six league games have hurt our title ambitions, but it is time to get it back on track. Tuchel is unlikely to over-exhaust the players that returned from injury and isolation, courtesy of which the rest of the squad needs to step up.
Thus, it would not be a surprise if Mason Mount and Christian Pulisic form part of the attack again. Mateo Kovacic, N’Golo Kante, and Jorginho are likely to be available for selection since each of them played a part in the game against the Bees on Wednesday night. The trio have been fit together for the first time since the end of October.
The defence shall also be raring to go, with Trevoh Chalobah producing a commanding display in mid-week. Aston Villa are a tough side to beat and we shall need to be at our very best to secure three points.
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Tuchel would be aware of the stakes that Liverpool have had their game postponed. Thus, a victory could see us go level on points with them, albeit they would have a game in hand. Regardless, we need to put pressure on the duopoly of the Reds and the Citizens as we look to become the best team in the land after five years.
We certainly have the squad and depth to do that. But what matters now is having them fit.
