Blues return to Premier League duty against Burnley
Chelsea return from the international break need to string a run together.
The Blues have little more margin for error in their pursuit of European qualification, whether that be through the Premier League or the FA Cup.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side host relegation-threatened Burnley at Stamford Bridge as the Premier League returns on Saturday, followed by meetings with Manchester United, Sheffield United and Everton ahead of their huge FA Cup semi-final showdown with Manchester City back at Wembley next month.
Injuries have been a constant source of frustration to Blues boss Pochettino during his first campaign at the helm and he still has a number of key issues lingering ahead of the weekend.
Here is all the latest Chelsea injury news and return dates. It is worth noting that Enzo Fernandez is not currently injured, but may be on the bench against Burnley due to his international exploits with Argentina.
Cole Palmer
Palemer was at his best again before the international break with a fine performance against Leicester in the FA Cup but was ruled out of England’s friendly with Brazil over the international break.
However, Pochettino will have breathed a sigh of relief as the former Manchester City forward returned to training in the build-up to Tuesday’s clash with Belgium, though he did not play in the second game.
Palmer seems to have shaken off his minor knock and, provided he comes through the Belgium game unscathed, will surely be fit to face Burnley on Saturday.
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Malo Gusto
Another international break scare for Chelsea came when Gusto withdrew from France’s Under-21 squad last week.
The in-form right-back was suffering from a virus, though it is understood that he has recovered quickly and is expected to be ready to face Burnley in a key boost for Pochettino.
Potential return date: Saturday March 30, vs Burnley
First published by: The Standard