Balbuena update and possible team for Stamford Bridge

Fabian Balbuena looks likely to return to the team for the match against  Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Monday evening.

‘The General’ left training ahead of the game against Crystal Palace with what a backroom team member declared to be a minor groin problem.

However,  the medics decided it was not worth the risk of playing him and Issa Diop was given the opportunity of making his first appearance since proving testing positive for Covid several weeks ago.

Probably, given the lay-off, the French defender was not at his best and it seems likely that the Paraguayan international will renew his central defensive partnership with Angelo Ogbonna at the Bridge.

It seems likely too that given his lively display when arriving as sub Manu Lanzini could well get the shout over  Pablo Fornals who has flattered to deceive over recent games.

Possible team for Stanford Bridge: Fabianski, Couval, Balbuena, Ogbonna, Cresswell ; Rice, Souckek; Bowen, Benrahma; Lanzini,  Haller