Chelsea will aim to clinch UEFA Champions League qualification when they lock horns with Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Sunday evening. Enzo Maresca has greeted positive updates on the team news front ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Christopher Nkunku has recovered from a minor issue, and Marc Guiu has overcome his long battle with a hamstring injury. With the duo fit and available, Aaron Anselmino, Wesley Fofana, and Omari Kellyman remain on the sidelines due to thigh complaints.
Jadon Sancho is also available after being ineligible to take on Manchester United last week. However, Nicolas Jackson is unavailable after seeing red against Newcastle United, while Mykhailo Mudryk serves a suspension after failing a doping test several months ago. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Maresca provided a fitness update on Nkunku and Guiu.
The Chelsea manager said, “Yes, Christo is available. He’s been working with us in the last few days, being part of the training sessions. Marc Guiu is the same. They can both be available for the next game [at Forest].”
“Reece James is okay, he will be part of the squad. As I’ve said previously, he has his own programme because we are trying to protect him [after his injury]. We are managing him in both the games and the training sessions that we have. But Reece is fine, and he is available for Sunday.”
Robert Sanchez will take his place between the sticks, with Chelsea lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in front of him against Nottingham Forest on Sunday. The backline should feature Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah, Levi Colwill, and Marc Cucurella.
As for the midfield unit, Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo will pair up in the double pivot. Cole Palmer will reprise the no. 10 role, with Noni Madueke and Pedro Neto being the two wide attackers. Finally, Christopher Nkunku should lead the line for the away side against Nottingham Forest. So, Sancho, Guiu, and Romeo Lavia will be backup options on the bench.
Predicted Chelsea XI: Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Nkunku
