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Christopher Nkunku role, Ben Chilwell hint - Three things spotted in Chelsea training

Chelsea's preparations for their final Premier League match of the season are now complete.

Mauricio Pochettino welcomes Bournemouth to Stamford Bridge on Sunday hoping to continue his team's fine run of form. Chelsea have won their past four league games and if they make it five in a row against the Cherries they will ensure qualification for Europe next season.

"It’s really important for us to finish in the way we’re doing now, with the confidence and the way we’re playing in the last few months," Pochettino said in his pre-match press conference. "I think it’s really important for the team, the players and the club to be close to achieving one of the objectives: to play in Europe next season."

Ahead of Sunday's clash, Chelsea's players have been put through their paces at Cobham for one final time. football.london has viewed the images shared on the official Chelsea website and here are three things we spotted from the session.

Nkunku role

It's been a frustrating first season for Christopher Nkunku at Chelsea. Signed for £52million from RB Leipzig, the French international has only featured for the Blues 13 times as injuries have hampered his campaign.

The 26-year-old has scored three times in that time, however, with his last strike coming in the 2-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion last time out. In fact, Nkunku has played in Chelsea's past three matches and could be in line for a start against Bournemouth.

READ MORE: Mudryk, Chukwuemeka, Chilwell - Latest Chelsea injury news and return dates for Bournemouth

READ MORE: At least four Chelsea players could say farewell during final day clash with Bournemouth

Nkunku was one of the players spotted working hard during the session as he aims to convince Pochettino he is worthy of a return to the starting XI. Chelsea's No.18 was seen jogging with his teammates while in running trainers, most probably as part of a warm up or warm down.

Chilwell hint

Much like Nkunku, Ben Chilwell's season has also been heavily impacted by injury. The left-back has put on the Blues shirt 13 times this season but will be hoping to be included in Gareth Southgate's England squad for Euro 2024.

With this in mind, the 27-year-old is working hard behind the scenes to regain his fitness and was pictured on the ball during the training session. Chilwell was an unused substitute in the Brighton clash but could well make an appearance against Bournemouth this weekend.

Interestingly, Chilwell was not pictured in a bib during one of the training exercises, while young midfielder Cesare Casadei was. With Thiago Silva, who is expected to start, also spotted training without a bib, could this be a hint that Pochettino is thinking of giving Chilwell some minutes?

Silva smiles

As mentioned above, Silva was pictured during the session and could be seen smiling. Smiles may turn to tears on Sunday, however, as it is the veteran defender's last game in a Chelsea shirt.

Opting to end his Chelsea career this summer and return to Brazilian side Fluminense, Silva has become a popular figure during his four years in west London. It's likely to be an emotional occasion against Bournemouth with Silva likely determined that he ends his Blues career with a clean sheet and a win.