With the last international break of 2018 done, the Blues face their busiest period of the season, starting with a match against their London rivals
Chelsea return to action on Saturday in the weekend’s showpiece Premier League match as the Blues face fierce rivals Tottenham at Wembley Stadium.
Just one point separates the two London rivals in the league as they sit third and fourth respectively, with both aiming to keep pace with leaders Manchester City – themselves four points clear of Chelsea.
Maurizio Sarri’s side are unbeaten in 18 games, while Mauricio Pochettino’s side are also in good form too, having won four in a row.
Chelsea can boast a fully fit squad with the entire group having trained on Thursday and Friday ahead of one of their toughest tests of the season.
Emerson Palmieri, N’Golo Kante, Willian and Olivier Giroud were the last to return from international duty on Thursday while injuries picked up by Ethan Ampadu and Mateo Kovacic on international duty appear not to be serious.
Jorginho was also allowed to return early from international duty with Italy, after coming home tired last time around. Sarri confirmed the good news at his Friday press confernece at Cobham Training Ground.
“No big problems. As usual after the national teams, there are some little problems,” Sarri said ahead of Spurs. “Some with little injuries, some a little bit tired. Fortunately, we don’t have big problems. Kovacic is doing better.
“He had an ankle problem, but he is doing better yesterday in training with the team. And so I think that he will be able to play.”
Neither Chelsea nor Tottenham have any players out with suspensions ahead of Sunday’s clash, while there are no players in danger of bans should they pick up yellow cards.
Chelsea will put out their strongest side against Spurs at Wembley, with Alvaro Morata earning himself back his starting spot before the international break as he competes with Giroud to start.
Eden Hazard will start on the left wing with Willian and Pedro battling it out for the other spot. Mateo Kovacic and Ross Barkley will continue to try to establish themselves as the third midfielder alongside both Jorginho and Kante.
The defence and goalkeeper is likely to remain unchanged from the 0-0 draw with Everton at Stamford Bridge, as the back five establish themselves as Sarri’s first choice for league matches.
