Chelsea Predicted Lineup: Given West Ham’s vulnerable position in the Premier League, Graham Potter’s side must win after a 0-0 draw against Fulham, and CFC have every reason to be optimistic.
West Ham United are 17th in the table with 19 points, one point above the drop zone.
Chelsea has welcomed several players back to training ahead of the trip to West Ham, but Raheem Sterling may be out for the rest of the season.
The England international was kicked during training and is now questionable for Saturday’s match at the London Stadium.
During a lengthy period of poor fitness in Graham Potter’s squad, the Blues had 12 players out at the height of an injury crisis three months.
Wesley Fofana, Mateo Kovacic, and Denis Zakaria have all returned to training this week but are unlikely to face the Hammers, while Joao Felix has returned from a three-match suspension and could start. Last week also saw the return of Reece James and Ben Chilwell.
The Blues now have four injured players and one on international duty.
Christian Pulisic is still recovering from a knee injury but is hopeful of returning soon, N’Golo Kante is doing solo grass work in his recovery from hamstring surgery, and Edouard Mendy is still out with a broken finger.
Armando Broja, who has yet to receive a work permit, could also be out for the season after tearing his cruciate ligament, and Andrey Santos, who has yet to receive one, is also on international duty.
And Brazil’s Under-20 team. With 28 players to choose from, Potter is in a pickle.
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Four more players could be left out of the 20-man squad traveling to east London, following the absences of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Ruben Loftus-Cheek against Fulham a week ago.
Potter is likely to field a team similar to the one that drew with Marco Silva’s side, but he is also known to spring tactical surprises on occasion. Felix or Noni Madueke could step in for Hakim Ziyech.
Enzo Fernandez, Mykhailo Mudryk, and Benoit Badiashile are also expected to start.
Kepa; James, Silva, Badiashile, Cucurella; Gallagher, Enzo; Mount, Felix, Mudryk; Havertz