Injured star returns and new Moises Caicedo look - three things spotted in Chelsea training

Chelsea know that a sixth-place finish will guarantee them European football next season, which means they must earn more points than Newcastle in their final two games.

The two teams are locked on 57 points but the Magpies sit ahead with a superior goal difference of 10. Newcastle play Manchester United and Brentford to close out their season.

Meanwhile, the Blues take on Brighton on Wednesday before Sunday’s final day clash at home to Bournemouth. Mauricio Pochettino’s future at Stamford Bridge could be decided in the next week with Todd Boehly set to make a call on his job.

football.london understands that this was always due to be the case, regardless of the club’s under-par season. However, a top six finish following two visits to Wembley this season would put the Argentine in a good position.

Due to Liverpool’s triumph over Chelsea in the League Cup final, sixth place will either be a Europa League spot or a Europa Conference League spot, depending on whether Man United beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final and thus qualify for the Europa League.

Any European football would come as a revenue boost for Chelsea, who are battling Premier League spending limits this cycle. Fans will be pleased, then, to see one injured player make a return to training ahead of this midweek meeting with Brighton.

READ MORE: Mauricio Pochettino discovers route to Chelsea success amid one-word Reece James admission

READ MORE: Moises Caicedo can dispel Chelsea transfer criticism with Brighton display to cement reputation

Chukwuemeka comeback

Carney Chukwuemeka was spotted back in group training after missing the last four games due to a knee injury. He has played just 12 games all season due to frequent setbacks, which has meant just two Premier League starts this term.

The midfielder has not started a Premier League fixture since the 3-1 defeat to West Ham all the way back in August, the club’s second game of the season. He’s played just 54 minutes in the competition since the end of February and so will be eager to build on his game time in the coming week.

On the bleach

Moises Caicedo has decided to bleach his hair blonde ahead of the summer. He has amassed an impressive 46 games this season and will be determined to turn on the style against his former club in midweek.

The Ecuador star has played every single minute of the last seven Premier League games, recording an assist in his last two outings. He will be important in Chelsea’s final push for Europe.

Cheerful James

Reece James looked in high spirits as he made his return from his five-month lay-off in the 3-2 away win at Nottingham Forest on Saturday. He came on for the final 11 minutes and managed to set up Nicolas Jackson’s winner.

He will be hoping to start one the final two matches, having failed to do so in the league since November 25. It seems a little late for an England squad inclusion for Euro 2024 but a Chelsea line-up call would give him confidence ahead of the summer.