Chelsea passed their latest test with flying colours as they ended Middlesbrough’s FA Cup run to progress to the semi-finals of the FA Cup o Saturday evening.
Goals in the first half from Romelu Lukaku and Hakim Ziyech respectively was enough for Thomas Tuchel’s side to make it six wins in a row after the initial Roman Abramovich news came out. “No, they have impressed me. Not surprised me. At one point, we needed to accept we didn’t cause the situation, we can’t influence the situation, and we can’t change the situation no matter what we do or how much we talk about it.
“We had to find a certain level of accepting the situation and refocusing on what we can influence. That is our performance,” Tuchel reflected on the players and the performance levels during this uncertain time.
READ MORE: Thiago Silva’s FA Cup performance for Chelsea vs Middlesbrough summed up in five words
“The good thing is from day one I found a very ambitious club and a huge staff that is determined to push the players to the maximum level of performance. This includes focus, respectful behaviour, includes an attitude of a team spirit that is needed.
“These are the things that we rely on now and trust. It’s impressive because they do exactly this and we try to support them to keep on going.”
Next up for Chelsea after the international break is Brentford. A game that could be first of the new owners’ reign, with some reports suggesting that a new structure could be in place before Saturday, April 2.
As well as sorting out this takeover situation, the Blues will be hoping for some players to recover from illnesses and injuries alike in time to return in the west London derby.
With this in mind, football.london brings you all up to date wit all you need to know ahead of this international break.
Reece James
Reece James made his return from a long-term hamstring injury that he picked up against Brighton in 2021. The full-back scored against Newcastle, but was soon sidelined yet again soon after.
The 22-year-old was called up for Gareth Southgate’s England squad though, meaning he could return very soon. He didn’t make it in time to face Middlesbrough though.
What Thomas Tuchel said: “Petr Cech will have this chat because, of course, the recommendation is that he does not go.
“He is still in individual training, otherwise, we would have brought him to Lille and we would have brought him here for sure.
“There is no doubt about it. He is still in individual training, he needs one more week of rehabilitation and I think we can provide this much better than – it is not the job of the national team to do this.”
Expected return date: Brentford (H), Saturday April 2
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Christian Pulisic
The American international started the game at the Riverside and despite having a relatively good game, nearly had it cut short due to what happened in the first half.
With no one around him, he slipped at one point and had to receive on the field treatment. Initially, it looked like a bad fall thankfully Pulisic was able to play on until the 69th minute when he was withdrawn for Timo Werner.
Kepa Arrizabalaga
The Spaniard’s admission from the squad that travelled up to Teesside was unusual, with the Spain international expected to take his customary place in a cup tie.
However, Tuchel provided an update as to what had happened: “Kepa is ill.”
Expected return date: Brentford (H), Saturday April 2
Jorginho
The Italian was another name that was not in the full travelling squad when team news was released earlier on in the day.
However, that was only because Tuchel decided to give him a much needed rest as he now prepares to play in the World Cup qualifier during this international break against North Macedonia.
What Tuchel said: “We gave Jorgi the chance to have a pause. He has played six games in a row, 90 minutes, and has two crucial games with Italy, both physically and mentally. I decided that he could have a break and didn’t need the travel today.”
Expected return date: Brentford (H), Saturday April 2
Andreas Christensen
Andreas Christensen had to be substituted in the first-half against Lille on Wednesday in the Champions League. The Dane suffered what looked like a muscular issue and as a result missed the Boro trip despite Tuchel’s optimism.
What Thomas Tuchel said: “Andreas Christensen are uncertain. They are in training but weren’t in full training… It will be a tight race but maybe too close.”
Expected return: N/A
Callum Hudson-Odoi
Callum Hudson-Odoi has struggled with an Achilles injury that has kept him out for a few weeks now. The 21-year-old missed the latest FA Cup trip and could now use this international break to his benefit.
What Thomas Tuchel said: “Callum [Hudson-Odoi] and Andreas Christensen are uncertain. They are in training but weren’t in full training… It will be a tight race but maybe too close.”
Expected return: N/A
Ben Chilwell
Ben Chilwell suffered a cruciate ligament injury in his knee that is set to keep the wing-back out for the rest of the season. The 25-year-old performed well in the early stages of the season, but won’t make a return until the summer.
Expected return: Summer 2022
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https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/players/chelsea-injury-news-reece-james-23444860
