Double defender boost, forgotten man returns - Things spotted in Chelsea training before Wolves
Chelsea have a bit longer to prepare for their return to Premier League action than a lot of their rivals this week, with the Blues taking on Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday night, six days after the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth.
Enzo Maresca’s side will be looking to get back to winning ways when they host Vitor Pereira’s side at Stamford Bridge in the 8pm kick-off. Chelsea were punished for not taking their chances in the first half of the draw with Bournemouth in the midweek clash, and needed a last minute equaliser to avoid defeat.
Wolves, meanwhile, fell to a 3-0 defeat against Newcastle United on Wednesday night. The team will be desperate for three point to move away from the bottom three positions.
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The bit of extra time will give the Chelsea's coaching staff a bit more time to work with the squad on the training pitch in the build-up to the game. Here are just some things we spotted from the pictures released of Friday’s training session.
Chalobah back involved
Defender Trevoh Chalobah was recalled from his loan spell with Crystal Palace this week with Chelsea looking to bolster their central defensive options. He could potentially go straight into action at the weekend.
Ahead of the game, numerous pictures show the centre-back taking part in training alongside his Chelsea teammates with a smile on his face. He will be looking to impress Enzo Maresca on the training pitch to try and win his place in the team back after being froze out at the start of the season.
January arrival spotted
Another player spotted taking part in the session is January arrival Aaron Anselmino. The 19-year-old centre-back joined from Argentine club Boca Juniors.
Pictures show him training alongside Chalobah and his other new teammates in the build-up to the game against Wolves. He is yet to make a matchday squad since arriving at the start of the month, but will be looking to impress in training to earn his place.
Spirits high
Chelsea are on a disappointing run of form in the league, with the side five league games without a win. They needed a late Reece James equaliser to take a point from the 2-2 draw against AFC Bournemouth on Tuesday night.
The drop in form has all but stopped any talk of a title challenge this season with the Blues now sitting in fifth place in the league and facing a fight for a top four place. Despite the form, it does seem that spirits are still high at Cobham.
Several pictures show the players laughing and clearly enjoying the session. Those smiles are likely to be a lot wider next week if the team can get back to winning ways on Monday night.