Chelsea given injury boost ahead of Premier League return

Chelsea has been given a boost on the injury front before the Blues’ first match since the Premier League halt back in March.

For the first time in what seems like forever, Chelsea is likely to have a fully healthy squad heading into a Premier League match weekend. The Blues have struggled with injuries since late last season, and they became more prevalent as the season progressed. While the knocks and setbacks have led to a streaky back half of the Premier League campaign, some positives came out of the injuries for the Blues. The emergence of Billy Gilmour, for example.

One of the most consistently injured players over the last two seasons has been Callum Hudson-Odoi. He suffered a knock late last week and was seen as doubtful for Chelsea’s restart match against Aston Villa. Reece James also suffered a knock and N’Golo Kante was absent from the club for awhile as a precaution for his own health. However, it seems as if the Blues will have all three of those players back for the June 21 match against the Claret and Blue.

In addition to James, Kante and Hudson-Odoi likely being available, Ruben Loftus-Cheek looks to return to the pitch for the first time in over a year. This—along with Kante’s presence—is a big boost for the Blues as Jorginho is suspended for the trip to Birmingham. It’d be surprising to see anything other than a Mason Mount-Mateo Kovacic-Kante midfield three on Sunday, but who comes off the bench to replace the trio in the middle of the park is a crapshoot.

Chelsea has looked wildly inconsistent this season and that is largely due to the different personnel combinations Frank Lampard has had to field. Stability to a young, talented side is the best thing for the Blues at the moment. Experienced players like Loftus-Cheek and Kante will play a big role in deciding where Chelsea finishes in the race for the top four.

Now, with a full squad at his disposal, Lampard has some decisions to make. The back line has a lot of growing up to do from now until August 1 if the individuals that make it up want a spot in the squad next season. Ironically enough, James’ return to the pitch will help with that. For some players, the weight is on their shoulders to help secure a Champions League place and for others, a career in west London is on the line. At the risk of oversimplification, the pressure is on.

Although the Blues now have a fully healthy squad, so do other sides in England. Look no further than the neighbors to the north for a prime example of time heals all wounds. In the end, Chelsea controls its own destiny and it’s better to have every player available to help make that decision out on the pitch as opposed to a limited number.