Chelsea star set to return against Leicester despite fresh injury fears
Chelsea duo Ben Chilwell and Benoit Badiashile have returned to training ahead of their side’s FA Cup quarter-final clash with Leicester City.
Chilwell suffered a knee injury in the 2-2 draw with Brentford at the beginning of the month that left him unable to train.
The left-back had already endured an injury-hit season, limiting to just 13 starts having also struggled with a hamstring injury last September that would rule him out for three months.
There was further concern when he was sent to see a specialist over his latest knee issue last week.
‘I hope it is not a big issue. ‘At this moment, after eight, nine months at the club, I prefer to be cautious and wait,’ Pochettino said.
Chilwell missed Monday’s win over Newcastle Untited but Chelsea’s fears have been eased with the England international now back in training ahead of the cup clash against his former side on Sunday.
‘He’s back to training and I think everything going well. He will be in the squad for Sunday, yes,’ Pochettino told a press conference on Friday.
Badilashile is also in contention after returning from a groin injury.
Like Chilwell, he is another who has struggled for fitness this season, starting just six Premier League matches, missing the last seven in all competitions with his latest knock.
Chelsea meet Leicester in a repeat of the 2022 FA Cup final, sealed my a sensational last minute winner from Youri Tielemans.
Enzo Maresca’s side are course to return to the top flight at the first time of asking following last season’s relegation with the Foxes currently three points clear at the top of the Championship.
‘Of course he’s [Maresca] doing a fantastic job,’ Pochettino said on Sunday’s opposition.
‘I have to congratulate him and now the most toughest moment because the last period is where you need to be solid and confirm all that you were doing. I think they are doing fantastic.’
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