Injuries have been a huge talking point this week ahead of the FA Cup semi-final between Chelsea and Leeds United. The two face off at Wembley for a place in the final.
The build up has gone very differently for both sides. The Whites picked up a point to reach the 40-point mark in the league, which almost guarantees their survival. Unfortunately for Daniel Farke, Jayden Bogle picked up a knock and could be a doubt for this weekend. One player who will not be available is Ilia Gruev, who has been ruled out for the rest of the season.
Chelsea have also had an eventful week; Liam Rosenior was sacked after the 3-0 loss to Brighton. The club chiefs felt it was enough after four league games without a win. Calum McFarlane will be in the dugout for the FA Cup semi-final.
Chelsea handed huge boost ahead of FA Cup clash
On Tuesday night, Chelsea were without Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro. Before kickoff, it was noted that both players had picked up knocks. No one knew their availability ahead of this weekend’s FA Cup game.
Chelsea interim boss Calum McFarlane has confirmed that both Pedro and Palmer are back in first team training. However, he did add that they both may be doubts for the game at Wembley: “Joao and Cole, they trained, they’re in a good place. We don’t know yet, we’ll make a call tomorrow.”
It seems like both teams are in a race against time to get some players fit enough to play at Wembley.
READ MORE: Chelsea suffer fresh injury blow ahead of Leeds FA Cup semi-final
Pressure could work against Leeds at Wembley
Leeds United are unbeaten in games against Chelsea in the Premier League this season. The Whites recorded a huge win at Elland Road, and stole a point away to Stamford Bridge a few months ago. It should be noted that Farke faced two different coaches in the league games, and will face another new coach this weekend.
All the news about Chelsea this week, the pressure is now on. Reports suggested that the club feared their season could end badly in the FA Cup and their pursuit for Champions League football. So McFarlane and the players are motivated to reach the final of the competition to give the fans something to cheer about. Leeds will have to be prepared, and Daniel Farke should be ready for anything come this weekend.
