Maresca tactic, Mudryk message – Five things spotted in Chelsea training before Tottenham clash

Enzo Maresca has been putting his players through their paces in training ahead of Chelsea's clash against Tottenham Hotspur. The Lilywhites will host the Blues on Sunday afternoon as they both look to climb the Premier League table.

Chelsea enjoyed a 5-1 win over Southampton at St. Mary's on Wednesday night, leapfrogging Arsenal to claim second place in the title race. Then, on Thursday night, Tottenham dropped to 10th following a 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.

The West Londoners will be eager to narrow Liverpool's advantage at the top of the standings, meanwhile, Spurs will be hoping to return to winning ways. So, with that being said, football.london have spotted five things in training that you might have missed as Chelsea geared up to face Tottenham.

READ MORE: I played for Chelsea and Tottenham - only one made me feel like the king of the world

READ MORE: Andre Villas Boas sends former club Chelsea FIFA Club World Cup warning

Hilarious team building exercise

Eager to iron out any nerves ahead of the highly anticipated clash, Maresca set up a hilarious team building exercise for his squad. The squad was split into small teams and they had to help a blindfolded teammate complete a dribbling assault course.

The Chelsea boss' plan worked a treat, with the players in good spirits!

Mudryk stakes claim for Premier League start

Mykhailo Mudryk caught the eye in training ahead of Chelsea's clash against Tottenham, sending a brilliant message. The 23-year-old winger, who's made great progress under Maresca, produced some excellent finishes off both his right and left foot.

He's showed great promise for the Blues in the Conference League and Carabao Cup this term, so he'll be hoping for a chance to shine in the Premier League soon. With Spurs known to play a high line, perhaps Mudryk could be utilised on the left-hand side.

Chelsea star eyes Premier League return

Pedro Neto has been working hard in training at Cobham to rebuild his match fitness. The 24-year-old winger returned from the November international break with a slight knock, missing the 2-1 win over Leicester City.

He returned to action the following week as Chelsea stormed past Aston Villa. Neto was then an unused substitute during Chelsea's 5-1 win over Southampton on Wednesday night, so the Portuguese ace will be eager to return to action against Tottenham.

Youngsters given the chance to impress

Maresca included a few exciting young players from the academy in first-team training ahead of the Spurs clash. Josh Acheampong, Sam Rak-Sakyi, Ato Ampah, Kaiden Wilson and Harrison Murray-Campbell were all pictured in action at Cobham.

Acheampong, whose deal at Stamford Bridge expires in June 2026, has played just once for Chelsea this season, featuring in a 5-0 win over Barrow in the Carabao Cup third round in September. football.london understands that the Blues have been looking to resolve the 18-year-old defender's contract situation.

Chelsea believed they had all but agreed a long-term extension with the teenager, but a deal collapsed. Despite what has happened, the Blues still want to keep Acheampong at the club for the foreseeable future.

football.london understands that the west Londoners are keen to hold onto their top academy prospects, having previously lost numerous top graduates in the past.

Chilwell remains involved

Ben Chilwell was spotted in training, which – at first glance – could suggest that he could be involved against Tottenham. However, the left-back has fallen out of favour under Maresca and he faces an uncertain future ahead of the January transfer window.