Enzo Maresca has confirmed Pedro Neto and Malo Gusto should be available for Sunday’s game against Aston Villa in a huge boost for the Blues.
The injury problems that have plagued the club over the past few campaigns appear to be behind them if early evidence is anything to go by this season.
Reece James is the only absentee and whilst players have missed the odd game here and there through illness and slight knocks the majority of the squad have been fit all season.
Maresca confirms Neto and Gusto should return for Villa game
Neto and Gusto were both surprisingly absent from the starting-line up for Saturday’s win against Leicester, although Maresca subsequently confirmed why the duo missed the game.
Before the Villa game Chelsea face Heidenheim in the Conference League on Thursday evening with the duo not part of the travelling squad.
However, Maresca provided a positive update on the pair whilst speaking ahead of the game in Germany.
“Yes, I think so. They both trained with us. We don’t take any risk for tomorrow’s game. I think both can be available for Sunday’s game [against Villa],” he told his pre-match press conference.
The game against Villa is huge in the race for Champions League qualification and the Blues will want all their best players available.
With James missing Gusto has become even more important and with him likely available Maresca will be able to field a recognised right back and move Wesley Fofana back into the heart of the defence.
Neto has arguably been Chelsea’s best attacker in recent weeks and Jamie Carragher labelled the Portugal international as the signing of the summer.
A win on Sunday would put the Blues six points clear of one of their main rivals for Champions League qualification, which would be a big positive heading into a busy run of fixtures.
