Chelsea dealt late injury scare before FA Cup final as four things spotted in training
Calum McFarlane has been putting the Chelsea players through their paces ahead of the FA Cup final on Saturday afternoon.
Calum McFarlane and Joao Pedro in Chelsea training(Image: Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Chelsea have been dealt an injury scare ahead of their clash against Manchester City. The Blues will lock horns with Pep Guardiola’s side in the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday afternoon as they battle it out for the oldest national football competition in the world.
Earlier this week, the Manchester City boss suggested that Chelsea have an unfair advantage. Speaking to reporters after a 3-0 win over Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Wednesday night, Guardiola pointed out that the Blues have had the entire week to prepare for the showpiece event.
On Thursday afternoon, Calum McFarlane was asked what he thought about the Spaniard’s comment. The interim Chelsea head coach said: “It’s tough when you have a game midweek, and you have a triple game week, it’s tough.
“We’ve had a lot of them this year but we’re focused on ourselves, we’re focused on how we prepare, we’re playing against an excellent side, and an excellent coach, so we need to be at our best, irrelevant if they’ve had a triple game week or not, so that’s what we’re focused on.”
FOLLOW OUR CHELSEA FB PAGE! Latest Blues news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
Chelsea haven’t beaten Manchester City since they did in the UEFA Champions League final back in May 2021. On whether the Blues believe they can beat Guardiola’s side, McFarlane said: “Yes, definitely.
“They’ve got the belief they can beat anyone. We just know that we have to be the best version of ourselves. They’re an exceptional side, with an exceptional coach and exceptional players.
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
“They’re going to be a challenge, but we also have some really good players. These players have shown that if they’re at their best, they can beat anyone.”
So, with that being said, football.london has taken a look at four things that you may have missed in training this week.
Chelsea welcome back three big names
Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho returned to training this week following spells on the sidelines. Speaking to reporters on Thursday afternoon, McFarlane said: “(They) have trained well this week, so looking really good, really hopeful with them as well. So, yeah, positive signs.”
The interim Chelsea boss also confirmed that Robert Sanchez was available for selection again, although he wasn’t pictured in action at Cobham. McFarlane said: “Yes, same news as the other lads, to be honest.
“Really positive, he’s trained well this week, and we’re really hopeful to get him to Saturday,” added the 38-year-old. On whether the Spaniard is his ‘go-to guy’, he said: “I don’t think I’m going to reveal my starting line-up on two days before the game.”
McFarlane takes control
McFarlane appeared to be relishing the chance to prepare Chelsea for an FA Cup final. With a whistle always in hand, the interim boss was often spotted talking the players through various drills, barking instructions, and gesticulating his tactics.
Colwill steps up recovery
Levi Colwill, like many of the other players, spent a period of time in the gym before heading out onto the grass. The Cobham graduate, who suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury at the start of pre-season, made his first start in almost a year last weekend, helping Chelsea salvage a point against Liverpool at Anfield.
Eager to stay fit, and, more importantly, rebuild the muscle in his legs, Colwill appeared to be completing a barbell vertical jump exercise. When quizzed on the defender’s progress, McFarlane said: “He has a really good rehab.
“He’d played a few games before. He played for us against (Nottingham) Forest. I think his first game back was he played for the 21s two or three times. So, again, a really good training week for Levi.
“He was exceptional against Liverpool. So, again, we’re really hopeful,” continued the interim Chelsea gaffer. “I think he’s naturally focused on getting himself back, playing for Chelsea.
“And once he’s done that now, I’m assuming he wants to keep performing at the level he did against Liverpool. I can’t give you an answer on that one.”
McFarlane added: “He speaks a lot about being able to put that sort of performance in after that time off at a really difficult place. He’s trained well this week, and we’re looking forward to potentially having him on Saturday as well.”
Chelsea dealt injury scare
Malo Gusto had significant bandaging around just above and below his right knee while out on the grass at Cobham. The Chelsea defender wasn’t wearing the support while in the gym beforehand, but was later seen with some sort of dressing on his leg.
However, he appeared to soldier on through whatever was causing him discomfort. Shortly after McFarlane attended the pre-match press conference, the French Football Federation announced that Didier Deschamps had named Gusto in his squad for the World Cup.
