After their scheduled – and somewhat controversial – two days off following the defeat to bottom of the Premier League Southampton, Chelsea's first-team players were back at Cobham this morning (Tuesday) to prepare for their visit to heated rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
Graham Potter takes his side across London on Sunday in desperate need of a victory. The Blues currently sit 10th in the top flight and are as close in terms of points (11) to the relegation zone than the Champions League places. As a consequence, Potter continues to come under significant pressure.
Thus far, he has retained the support of the ownership. Yet Tottenham is a must-win fixture. Supporters will not accept anything else and it's understood Todd Boehly will be in attendance. Chelsea have a clear week to work on the training pitches and here is what we spotted from this morning's session.
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A welcome sight
It was in the 74th minute of Saturday's defeat that Southampton forward Sekou Mara attempted an overhead kick in the Chelsea penalty area. Yet instead of connecting with the ball, the full force of his right foot smashed into the head of Cesar Azpilicueta, who cleared the ball.
Azpilicueta immediately fell to the ground unconscious and there was huge concern among his teammates. After a 10-minute stoppage for treatment, the Chelsea captain was carried off on a stretcher toward a waiting ambulance. That he was able to applaud supporters in the Matthew Harding Stand was a positive sign.
Potter confirmed in his post-match press conference that Azpilicueta was in hospital and had spoken to his wife. And on Sunday, to the relief of supporters, the 33-year-old posted an update on social media. It read: "Hi everyone! Thank you all for your love and messages of support! My family and I would like to thank everyone who has been looking after me since yesterday's incident.
"From the Chelsea medical team, to teammates and opponents, to St Mary’s and Cleveland Hospital and all staff members and doctors: a massive thank you from the bottom of my heart. Now, time to recover and I will see you soon on the pitch!"
Azpilicueta was subsequently released from hospital and will continue his recovery at Chelsea's training base in the days ahead. And while he didn't take part in this morning's session, he did watch on from the sideline – coffee in hand – and was pictured in conversation with Potter.
Absentees return
It was Potter that made the call ahead of the visit to Southampton to rest several key figures. There was no Reece James in the squad due to the number of minutes he had played since returning from injury. Thiago Silva, meanwhile, was also omitted in an attempt to avoid overloading his 38-year-old body.
Marc Cucurella and Hakim Ziyech were absent. Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who had started the previous two matches, was also not involved. Ultimately, these were decisions that backfired on Potter as Chelsea succumbed to a dismal defeat that put further pressure on the 47-year-old.
It makes this Sunday's visit to Tottenham vital. Chelsea have five days to prepare for the fixture and James, Silva, Loftus-Cheek and Ziyech were all involved in training this morning at an overcast Cobham. And they weren't the only ones...
Kante involved
N'Golo Kante has played a total of 175 minutes of football this season. Given his quality and importance, the Frenchman's absence has been hugely damaging to Chelsea's campaign. It was against Tottenham Hotspur in August that Kante suffered a hamstring injury that ultimately required surgery in October.
The hope has always been that Kante would return either late this month or in early March. He remains on track for the latter and football.london reported two weeks ago that the midfielder had been undertaking some very light work with his teammates on the grass at Cobham.
Kante has continued to progress and undertook the pre-training warm-up with his new teammates this morning. He did not take part in the full session but is nearing a return. Potter has not been able to call upon the France international – who remains in talks over a new contract – during his time as head coach. He will hope to have the chance next month, results permitting.
Enzo's new look
It was after Argentina's World Cup triumph that Enzo Fernandez decided to dye his hair blonde. It was a look he sported and maintained throughout January – and also when he completed his club and Premier League-record transfer to Chelsea from Benfica on deadline day.
Fernandez has quickly settled at Chelsea and has become an integral part of Potter's side; the 22-year-old has completed 90 minutes in each of the four matches he has featured.
There will come a point at which Fernandez will have to be rested, but it is unlikely to be anytime soon. He was involved as the first team began their preparations for Tottenham and it was noticeable his blonde hair was no more. Fernandez was back to his natural shade of black.
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