Chelsea have been hard at work training ahead of their London derby against West Ham this weekend. The Blues sit ninth in the Premier League table and are hoping to pick up a crucial win against the Hammers after going three games unbeaten.
Joao Felix is set to be available for selection once again after serving his three-match suspension. The Portuguese forward was sent off on his debut against Fulham back in January after arriving on loan from Atletico Madrid until the end of the season.
Reece James, Ben Chilwell and Raheem Sterling returned to the matchday squad for the 0-0 draw against Fulham last week. Mateo Kovacic and Denis Zakaria have now boosted Graham Potter's options further after returning from injury and taking part in full training.
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Kovacic has struggled with injuries throughout the campaign and missed last Friday's draw against Fulham and the stalemate at Anfield against Liverpool due to a calf issue. Zakaria has been sidelined since hobbling off during Chelsea’s defeat to Fulham at Craven Cottage.
football.london has spotted three key things to take away from Chelsea's training session ahead of their clash against West Ham that could see them move up to seventh depending on results elsewhere.
Mateo Kovacic and Denis Zakaria return
Chelsea have been handed a double injury boost ahead of Saturday's clash against West Ham United with both Mateo Kovacic and Denis Zakaria returning to training this week. The Switzerland international has been ruled out for almost a month but has stepped up his recovery this week and has been involved in sessions with the first-team squad.
Kovacic has started just seven Premier League matches for Chelsea this season but is in contention to feature at the London Stadium against West Ham.
New signings settling in
David Datro Fofana and Benoit Badiashile were both in good spirits ahead of the clash against West Ham. Fofana was tipped to head out on loan after signing in January from Molde but now will stay at Stamford Bridge until the end of the season before the club assess what is best for his development in the summer.
Many fans feel that he should be given a run of games in the first team given the struggles Kai Havertz and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have had in front of goal. Benoit Badiashile has arguably been the best of the January signings since arriving from Monaco, putting in some confident performances in defence.
The two look very settled and happy in their new surroundings and Graham Potter may look to start both players on Saturday against the Hammers.
Enzo Fernandez finishing drill
Chelsea fans were impressed with what they saw from Enzo Fernandez in his debut against Fulham last week. The Argentina World Cup winner completed a deadline day move to Stamford Bridge after the Blues agreed a British record transfer fee to sign him.
Fernandez has been hard at work and seemingly working on his finishing which may see him become a goal threat from midfield. Given the problems in attack Potter has faced during his time at Chelsea, goals from midfield may be required if the Blues are to recover a European qualification spot in the league.
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