From reports earlier this week, it seemed as though Chelsea were well on their way to having first teamers Romeo Lavia and Malo Gusto fit and raring to go at London Stadium on Saturday. My piece earlier in the week ‘Chelsea just got more challenging referred to upbeat news coming out of Stamford Bridge alluding to them being good to go at the weekend.
News seeping out of the Chelsea HQ today is far less optimistic for the Blues: According to notjustok.com Reece James is weeks away from match fitness as we know, but football.london confirms the struggle that Lavia and Gusto face to be fit and rates their chances as ‘unlikely’ of appearing at the weekend in a boost for West Ham’s morale before the lunchtime Saturday kick off:
“Enzo Maresca will be hoping he can choose from Romeo Lavia and Malo Gusto when Chelsea go to West Ham United this weekend but at the moment, that seems unlikely: Romeo Lavia and Malo Gusto continued their rehabilitation on Tuesday with another modified session as they continue their recovery from injury.”
Whilst we wish them well, of course, the fact that the duo are still undergoing rehabilitation rather than full training means it is pretty unlikely that they will even make the squad for lunchtime Saturday.
Reece James – ‘nowhere near’ fitness
Interesting that Goal.com puts a different spin on the same quote: Their article entitled ‘Double boost for Chelsea’‘ implies that the duo are nearing fitness. Hamstring injuries are difficult things to rush back from- just ask Aaron Cresswell. I’d be surprised to see either on the Blues’ teamsheet.
Chelsea of course do have strength in depth with the biggest pool of talent in the Premier League. It is still a major blow that first team regulars are very unlikely to make it for the game against the Irons. We now look for some positive news about our own ex-Chelsea left back Emerson and the ’50/50′ Niclas Fullkrug.
I agree with Andy Stone,s comment it isn’t any good thinking we are going to win because of another teams injuries. How many times over the years have I read a team is going to be a walk over as in lower league competition and then they play like champions league winners or they bring on a youth team player who’s man of the man who scores. My point is do the talking after the game because these injuries don’t usually make any difference only a good performance by West Ham will win the game.
Yeah I’d like West Ham.to be a bit more……with what we’ve get let’s have a go at them and take them on…..and a bit less worried about the opposition. Let’s have them worry about us, or get caught out by underestimating us!
It’s so West Ham to be concerned about opposition players being fit or not. With our squad we should be prepared for anything against any club. My thinking is that Chelsea should be concerned about us but of course there’s our own concerns about how Lopetegui will set up our starting lineup. This week I’m hoping for something more positive.
I guess that only leaves them with 48 players left to choose from. Must be tough for them!!
Very true. I have to admit I don’t really understand the squad rules. There’s 25 places so how can a club have 50 players to choose from? I’ll be embarrassed if the answer is obvious.