Pride of London details Chelsea’s latest injury news, including hopeful return dates for Edouard Mendy, N’Golo Kante and Christian Pulisic.
Let’s get straight down to business with our fitness report, as we detail the health of the sidelined trio. With regard to reported return dates, first of all Mendy looks to be available for the Crystal Palace game because he is now involved in full practice sessions.
Though Kante is only in ‘part training’, which leaves a doubt over his capacity for the Palace fixture. Pulisic will be in contention after featuring for the United States National Team.
Having Mendy and Kante available for selection, in particular, is a true boost for the Blues. The Senegalese has given some uneven performances and made certain uncharacteristic mistakes in the early part of the season, but surely remains the No.1 man. When fit, the Frenchman requires no acclaim from myself to be restored to the lineup.
And the omission wasn’t a dig at Pulisic, I am an advocate of him getting more consistent starts for Chels’. However, we are yet to see the best of the USA captain in a CFC shirt as of yet, certainly so far this campaign. Like I say, that fact may change through an increase of minutes and subsequently confidence, ultimately resulting in quality and productivity – with any luck.
Is this the position Kai Havertz should be used at Chelsea?
Germany drew 3-3 with England on Monday evening, Mason Mount and Kai Havertz were both on the scoresheet in the UEFA Nations League Group match. Havertz banged in a couple of goals; let’s hope this is, along with recently netting for CFC, is the beginning of his turn in form.
Meanwhile Jorginho was playing for Italy, who defeated Hungary 2-0. The Italians secured a spot in the finals of the tournament next summer via their away victory at Puskas Arena Park.
Briefly back to the German now. Since Havertz’s clinical Champions League-winning finish against Manchester City in 2021, the player has struggled to find his true Blues identity. Even after that great triumph, knowing the capacity which would produce the most overall from the 23-year-old eluded Thomas Tuchel.
Typically, Nationalelf, as the German National Team is also known, decided to deploy the attacker in his more natural role of No.10/second striker. As we know, this seems to have led to or helped the former Bayer Leverkusen man reclaim his composure and thrive with a brace versus the Three Lions.