Reece James and Lesley Ugochukwu are now back in Chelsea’s squad as the club finally overcomes a season-long injury crisis. Blues captain James could play for the first time in five months against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Saturday.
The 24-year-old defender has taken part in full training alongside Ugochukwu, who has also been out since December.
The Argentine could look to stick with many of the same starting XI that have delivered results in recent weeks.
Christopher Nkunku, Raheem Sterling, Thiago Silva, Axel Disasi, Malo Gusto and Levi Colwill all returned in last weekend’s 5-0 win over West Ham.
Chelsea now have just six players on the treatment table, which is their lowest number for some time. Enzo Fernandez, Robert Sanchez, Ben Chilwell, Wesley Fofana, Romeo Lavia and Carney Chukwuemeka all remain out.
Also Read: Chelsea Departing Star Expresses Desire to Sign New Contract
It leaves manager Mauricio Pochettino with genuine options for the first time as he remains under pressure to secure his Stamford Bridge future by qualifying for Europe next season.
Djordje Petrovic should continue in goal at the City Ground, with a back four featuring Trevoh Chalobah, Silva, Benoit Badiashile and Marc Cucurella.
Cucurella has had success playing as an inverted winger when building up the play to add solidity to the performances. Moises Caicedo and Conor Gallagher should be the midfield pair.
Mykhailo Mudryk has been the only player to struggle in recent weeks and could be left out for Sterling in a forward line that will include Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson.
Chelsea’s Predicted XI
Chelsea’s Predicted 11
