Calum McFarlane has spoken to the press ahead of Chelsea’s clash against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Sunday afternoon.
Joao Pedro celebrates with Reece James(Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)
Calum McFarlane has provided an injury update ahead of Chelsea’s clash against Sunderland. The Blues look set to welcome a couple of big names back to the matchday squad when they face Régis Le Bris’ side at the Stadium of Light on Sunday afternoon.
football.london understands that Joao Pedro suffered a knock ahead of Chelsea’s win over Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday night. The Blues striker was one of three players to be left out at Stamford Bridge, with Malo Gusto and Levi Colwill also missing out.
The Chelsea right-back had sustained a minor injury in the days building up to the match, while the Cobham graduate was simply rested, having only recently returned to action following a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Speaking to reporters at Cobham on Friday afternoon, the interim Blues boss began by confirming that Pedro and Colwill trained ahead of the trip up north. McFarlane said: “They both trained today.
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“Both promising, and we’re hopeful they’ll be fit for Sunday. No other updates,” added the 38-year-old. When pressed further on the CHelsea captain, McFarlane said: “Reece has trained today.
“We’ll play it day by day with Reece. He’s fit and in good condition, but we know we need to manage him carefully. He played a lot of minutes in the final, and that will take it out of you.”
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Having lost the FA Cup final last weekend, Chelsea can only qualify for either the Europa League or the Conference League via the Premier League. With a solitary game left to play, Brighton are 7th with 53 points, the Blues are 8th with 52 points, Brentford are 9th with 52 points, and Sunderland are 10th with 51 points.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United, Everton, and Fulham are all on 49 points in 11th, 12th, and 13th, respectively. Although either the Magpies or the Cottagers, who will lock horns on Sunday afternoon, and the Toffees could match Chelsea’s tally, they would have to make up at least a seven-goal difference.
Previewing the clash against the Black Cats, McFarlane said: “It’s going to be a great game – both teams need to win. We need one more push, three points, and hopefully get ourselves up the table.”
A few hours prior to the press conference at the club’s training base in Surrey, Thomas Tuchel announced the England squad for the World Cup. Cole Palmer was left out, making James the only Chelsea player in the Three Lions camp.
When quizzed on the decision to omit the Blues star, McFarlane said: “I don’t want to comment on that – it’s not got anything to do with me. The England manager has made a decision, so it’s best to speak to him.
“We have full belief in Cole, and we will be relying on him on Sunday,” continued the interim Chelsea boss. “I think in life and in football, you need to take every setback as a positive.
“There’s going to be lots of them – moments like this. And if you have the right mindset, you can turn it into a positive.”
McFarlane added: “In terms of Cole and the England announcement, that was made at 10am. We haven’t had time to speak or get a feel for the group. Training was really good. I’m sure we’ll have those conversations in the coming days and see how they are.”
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