Following Manchester United’s FA Cup victory over Manchester City that knock Chelsea out of the Europa League, Chelsea earned themselves a spot in the Europa Conference League. Even though the club may be disappointed by this development, it presents a rare chance for a number of players to get back into the game and regain form.
The following three Chelsea players stand to gain from this change.
Romeo Lavia
Romeo Lavia had a difficult season because of his injuries. Over the summer, the youthful midfield player must regain his match readiness and agility. Lavia may find that the Europa Conference League offers the ideal setting for a gradual transition back into competition.
He needs to play in Chelsea’s two-leg play-off match in August to get some playing time and get ready for the harder games that lie ahead. Lavia has the opportunity to prove himself and regain his spot on the team by using these early games as a platform.
Robert Sanchez
Before getting hurt, Robert Sanchez, had been Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper all season and after getting hurt, lost his position to Djordje Petrovic. The new manager might decide to stick with Petrovic as Chelsea’s starting goalkeeper in the Europa League if Chelsea had advanced.
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Sanchez might get the start in this tournament though as the Blues are now in the less prestigious Europa Conference League. Sanchez may be able to regain his No. 1 spot if he plays well in the Conference League. For his confidence and form he may need to play regularly in this European competition.
Wesley Fofana
Under Mauricio Pochettino, Wesley Fofana has also had a difficult season due to injuries missing all of his playing time. Like Lavia, the central defender is anticipated to return for pre-season and the Europa Conference League play-off matches in August may be crucial to his recuperation.
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With no Premier League pressure, these games will give Fofana the chance to regain his match fitness and mental toughness in a competitive environment. Receiving these early chances could aid Fofana’s reintegration and help him become a valuable member of the defense going forward.
Finally, even though Chelsea’s promotion to the Europa Conference League may seem like a setback, players like Romeo Lavia, Robert Sanchez and Wesley Fofana will benefit greatly from the experience.
These athletes may be able to improve their match experience, get back into shape and even get back into the starting lineup by using the competition.
Their progress and Chelsea’s overall plan for the upcoming season may depend greatly on this European competition.
