The Premier League finishing line is in sight and for Chelsea fans, staff and players, it'll be a welcome one after a dismal campaign for the club. The Blues will finish midtable this season, signalling a time of change that has caused plenty of uncertainty across all sectors at Stamford Bridge.
Thomas Tuchel started as head coach, handed the task of integrating a number of signings to refill the squad after sanctions levied against Roman Abramovich saw a number of players leave. The Champions League winner wasn't the man for the long-term in the eyes of Boehly-Clearlake though as they dismissed him in favour of Graham Potter from Brighton.
The Englishman got off to a good start, but a whole host of injuries and a spiral of poor results eventually saw that promised patience run thin and he was removed from his post. Frank Lampard was tasked with being interim manager until the end of the season, but results have only got worse for the side, who will be glad to draw a line under the past year.
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There's still one final clash to go at Stamford Bridge and that's against Newcastle, who have taken the Blues' spot in the top four this season. "I’m quite calm about it and not too nostalgic about it but certainly do appreciate the fans support on Sunday," Lampard said on the potential of saying farewell after facing the Magpies. "More than anything I would love to give them a performance to take away for the summer and feel a bit more positive about for sure."
The interim will have a few injury concerns to contend with though as he confirmed that Reece James would miss the clash due to a setback. There will also be the absence of Benoit Badiashile, Raheem Sterling, Armando Broja, N'Golo Kante and Marc Cucurella due to longer term injuries.
Ben Chilwell is one that could face a late fitness test, having picked up a knock, while Lampard confirmed Mason Mount is approaching a test to recover. The interim said ahead of the clash: "Reece [James] won’t be fit and Mason [Mount] is going to be really tight."
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