Mauricio Pochettino could roll the dice to re-introduce Reece James for Arsenal’s visit to Stamford Bridge.
The Chelsea captain has been out for more than two months but posted “against all odds” to his social media accounts to tease his nearing return.
He is pushing to make a timely comeback to help overcome Mikel Arteta’s side, who finished 40 points and 10 places above Chelsea in the league last season.
A decision to bring back James after just three training sessions would be risky. He returned only on Wednesday and has missed 90 matches in his four-year career in west London.
Pochettino and his assistant Jesus Perez, who specialises in strength and conditioning, are working hard to “anticipate problems” and “create a strategy” to solve his injury issues.
How Pochettino could do with James back to help the cause after the player — the highest-paid defender in the club’s history on £250,000 a week — was appointed captain this summer.
He was partly given the armband because of his connection to the supporters. He replied “I say no” when asked by an Arsenal fan on Twitter (now X) to join Kai Havertz in switching from Chelsea to north London this summer. That conviction could help against an Arsenal side who have won six of their past seven matches in this derby.
Malo Gusto is a competent alternative and could return after suspension should James not be available, with Marc Cucurella having surprisingly excelled on the right side of defence during the three-match winning streak over Brighton, Fulham and Burnley.
For the big matches, however, James remains a cut above any of the alternatives. His possible return is one bright note after a disappointing international break during which Pochettino hoped to “recover” and “improve” his players.
Romeo Lavia, Carney Chukwuemeka and Trevoh Chalobah all suffered injury setbacks in training. Armando Broja also has swelling on his knee after being kicked there during Chelsea’s 4-1 win over Burnley before the break. He was one of several players, including Nicolas Jackson, Cole Palmer and Axel Disasi, who pulled out of international squads this month with minor issues.
Benoit Badiashile is nearing his return from a hamstring injury but has been out for five months and will be eased back in. Christopher Nkunku, Ben Chilwell, Wesley Fofana and Marcus Bettinelli all remain out.
Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo both played 90 minutes for Argentina and Ecuador in South America overnight on Tuesday and then had long-haul flights back to London. They will be assessed before kick-off tomorrow.
Chelsea could be without close to a dozen players before games against Arsenal, Brentford, Tottenham and Manchester City but hope Jackson, Palmer and Disasi can join James in the fixtures.
Pochettino said “very good things are coming” last week. He remains positive his physical and tactical work will soon herald good results despite the issues.
Tottenham took until November to come good during his first season, while Paris Saint-Germain took six months to adapt to his methods after he took over.
Chelsea’s recent victories show similar progress, but they need to start beating their big rivals again.
