Chelsea handed massive boost as star man returns to full training

Chelsea struggling to cope with injuries

It has been a tough week for Chelsea.

Taking four points from 9 does not sound abysmal, but it is probably the worst week of their season thus far.

After squandering a season’s worth of chances against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea left with a 1-1 draw. Hardly indicative of the flow of the game, but then when has football ever been?

If they were unlucky against Manchester United, they were phenomenally lucky against Watford in midweek: Manager Thomas Tuchel claimed that the Blues “stole three points”, such was their inferiority to the Hornets.

FULL-TIME Watford 1-2 Chelsea

Thomas Tuchel’s side retain top spot with a hard-fought win #WATCHE pic.twitter.com/BcfBPxZztu

— Premier League (@premierleague) December 1, 2021

Then came a trip to the London Stadium and the game against West Ham on Saturday. Once again, Chelsea’s fortunes turned, with a freak Arthur Masuaku goal handing the hosts all three points, and sending Tuchel’s side back across London with nothing.

What have we just witnessed?! 😲

Extraordinary from Arthur Masuaku!

David Moyes loves it! 😅 pic.twitter.com/7GsyCfo6x7

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) December 4, 2021

Injury-hit and threadbare, Chelsea’s season could well be set to derail should they not get their first-team options back, with those filling in flattering to deceive.

Fortunately, however, one key man is on his way back.

Mateo Kovacic back in full training

As per Tom Roddy of The Times, key midfielder Mateo Kovacic is set to bolster Tuchel’s hand, with the Croatian having returned to full training on Monday.

Mateo Kovacic set to return to availability for #cfc this week in boost to injury-hit squad. https://t.co/gaFiYXxfP6

— Tom Roddy (@TomRoddy_) December 6, 2021

Chelsea host Leeds United this Saturday, and given that Saul Niguez has been substituted at halftime in both of his Premier League outings so far this season, Kovacic’s return next to Jorginho could come as a massive boost to the title-chasing Blues.

Will this help them pick up a key three points?

Read more:

Chelsea fans call for swap deal following Hakim Ziyech future admission

‘The 8 has changed him’ – Mateo Kovacic earns club legend comparisons following dazzling display vs Villa

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This article was edited by
Josh Barker.