Joao Felix is set to make just his second Chelsea appearance as he returns to the fold having missed three games with suspension. His debut against Fulham was cut short before the hour mark following a straight red card.
Up to that point Felix had been the spark for Graham Potter's side, who have only scored once in the time since he was sent off, three and a half game ago. The 23-year-old's impact shows his personal quality as much as it highlights the attacking issues at Stamford Bridge but the excitement upon his return demonstrates his importance nonetheless.
Since Felix's loan was confirmed in January the Blues have added Noni Madueke, Mykhailo Mudryk and Enzo Fernandez. Plenty has changed since that toxic night at Craven Cottage and there is cautious optimism that the clouds have parted over SW6.
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The 0-0 draw to Fulham on Friday, the last game of Felix's ban, underwhelmed after the excitement that came with Fernandez and the trip to struggling West Ham is no easy task. The prospect of seeing the Atletico Madrid loanee on the same pitch as Mudryk, Fernandez and perhaps Madueke too is reason enough to tune in though.
The 23-year-old also got the best out of Kai Havertz at the time too. The German has been firing hot and cold this season but enjoyed the freedom and link-up with his new teammate. That, combined with the continuation of integrated new signings, has seen the atmosphere change somewhat.
There is no guarantee that the same can be said when it comes to the summer though. Felix is set to move back to Madrid after his loan ends. He signed an extension there before joining Chelsea and despite his public struggles with Diego Simeone, a permanent deal is far from a formality.
When asked by AS, Felix opened up on his future, saying: "There isn't a purchase option. Chelsea would have to reach an agreement with Atletico." That has been understood to be the case for a while but there remains hope within SW6 that a deal could be done should his loan end with the same promise that it has started with.
"I've only been here a few weeks, a month," Felix continued. "I am knowing everything, I am very comfortable but the future nobody knows. I don't know what is going to happen in my life, nor is it known what will become of Cholo [Simeone], as I told you, we will have to wait until June."
With Todd Boehly already spending vast amounts on new players, including the original £11million loan fee for Felix, there is financial pressure on Chelsea to remain within the fair play parameters for domestic and European competitions. This likely makes Felix's massive £124million release clause a step too far.
However, the relationship with the Spanish club on Felix's end does throw up the chances of securing a cheaper deal. According to the Evening Standard he could even cost between £70million and £80million, a much lower amount to stomach.
This is now in the realms of hypotheticals though, first up Felix will be keen to last more than an hour as he prepares for his second appearance for the club.
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