Five things spotted in Chelsea training as Enzo Maresca hands Trevoh Chalobah crucial new role
Enzo Maresca has been putting his players through their paces in training ahead of Chelsea's clash against Wolves. The Blues will host Vitor Pereira's men at Stamford Bridge on Monday night as they both look to climb the Premier League table this season.
Chelsea will be eager to return to winning ways after they were held to a 2-2 draw by Bournemouth on Tuesday night. Wolves will be just as keen to transform their fortunes, after suffering a 3-0 defeat to Newcastle United on Wednesday night.
The west Londoners have had an extra day to prepare, but Pereira has a couple of handy names - such as Matheus Cunha - who could upset the apple cart. So, with that being said, football.london has spotted five things that you might have missed as Chelsea gear up to face Wolves.
READ MORE: Mathys Tel makes Chelsea transfer feelings clear as Bayern Munich talks change Enzo Maresca plan
READ MORE: Chelsea handed £25.4m transfer twist after unexpected January U-turn and Enzo Maresca decision
Chalobah given a new role
Trevoh Chalobah began first-team training at Cobham this week after Chelsea higher-ups recalled the centre-back from his loan at Crystal Palace. The 25-year-old was given a warm welcome by Maresca, the coaching staff and the players, running through a guard of honour - which included some playful slaps on the back!
He was at the heart of the action in training, taking on a new role as a member of the side. While Chalobah may be widely regarded as a centre-back these days, he has also previously played holding midfield while previously out on loan at Ipswich Town, Huddersfield Town and Lorient.
Chalobah could quickly become a valuable member of the Chelsea squad - with so many injuries at the moment. When quizzed on the Cobham graduate's return, Maresca said: "He knows the house better than me, he was born here.
"First of all, he was very happy; I can see it in his face. I had a chat with him a few days ago and I had a chat with him and you can see it in his eyes when he is really happy. We are really happy he is here."
Maresca nutmegs Chelsea youngster
Before Maresca led a session at Cobham, he played in a few rondos with the players to warm up. Hilariously, the Chelsea boss nutmegged Josh Acheampong, who eventually retrieved possession a few passes later!
Four Chelsea stars absent
Cole Palmer, Levi Colwill, Enzo Fernandez and Romeo Lavia were all absent from training on Friday. Speaking to reporters ahead of Chelsea's clash against Wolves, Maresca said: "We have Cole who is a doubt, he was not in the session today.
"Levi was not in the session today, Enzo was not in the session today, Romeo was not in the session today. We have three or four players that are a doubt for Monday's game because, in the last game, they got problems."
Chelsea duo in high spirits
Renato Veiga and Christopher Nkunku appeared to be in high spirits. The duo have been heavily linked with exits from Stamford Bridge this month, having grown frustrated with their lack of game-time so far this season.
football.london understands Chelsea will allow Veiga to leave the club in the January transfer window, but only on a permanent deal. The West Londoners are will entertain offers above £20million for the Portugal international, who has attracted interest from Borussia Dortmund.
As for Nkunku, football.london understands Bayern Munich hold a serious interest in the Frenchman. It's said that the German giants have recently held talks with Chelsea over a potential deal, with the Blues insisting they will not sell the 27-year-old forward for anything less than £60million.
Chelsea star awaits debut
Aaron Anselmino was involved in first-team training ahead of the Blues' clash against Wolves. Chelsea signed the 19-year-old defender from Boca Juniors for around £17million in the summer - sending him back to his former club on loan until the end of December.
He's since been recalled to Cobham, but Maresca is yet to hand the youngster his debut. With Colwill a doubt for Monday night's clash, Anselmino will be hoping to make the matchday squad - and to possibly feature.