Chelsea look set for a strong finish to the year from an injury perspective as they head into a busy Christmas schedule with few casualties to be concerned about.
While in previous years Chelsea might have struggled to keep key players fit over the festive period, they look like they could be in for a decent start to the new year on the injury front.
This could be down to a number of things – luck of course plays a big part with injuries – but Conte’s new acquisitions are making a big difference as players have been better rested and have more time to recover despite the infernal Premier League schedule.
Everton are missing 6 first team members for the game against the Blues, players that Sam Allardyce will truly miss. As it stands, Chelsea are much more fortunate.
Here’s how the injury list is looking for Chelsea:
Even though there are 2 players out injured for the Blues, David Luiz’ absence is the only one that really matters, with Charly Musonda Jr’s absence not having the same weight as that of the Brazilian centre-back’s.
David Luiz picked up his injury late November and has already missed 7 matches. Unfortunately, there’s no return date for the 30-year-old who according to his medical record, might have not recovered 100% since the 2013-2014 season when he first busted his knee.
Since Luiz first suffered the supposed knee injury, he has never spent more than 2 weeks on the treatment table. But if it is as bad as reported, it could be a bit of a worrying situation as these kinds of injuries tend to become more and more complicated over time.
While we would love to see him play one more game before the end of 2017, it is unlikely Conte will risk Luiz’s fitness before the vital Barcelona clash in February.
Here’s how the injury list is looking for Everton:
Yannick Bolasie – Been out for over a year due to a cruciate ligament rupture. He is recovered but there’s almost no chance of seeing him on the pitch. It`s a pity because he would have made the game a bit more interesting for fans to watch.
Leighton Baines – will not be featured against Chelsea as his calf injury picked up at the end of November still hasn’t healed.
James McCarthy – suffering from a hamstring injury, it is unlikely he will be used on the field until the end of 2017.
Ross Barkley – same as the others, suffering from a muscle injury, will not be forced to play by the end of 2017, especially with 2018 starting off with games against United, Liverpool and Spurs.
Ramiro Funes Mori – knee problems will keep this promising defender on the bench until April and even that is being optimistic. It`s hard to believe he will be facing Chelsea this season at any point in time.
Seamus Coleman – the Ireland international captain fractured his leg in March playing Wales but is expected to return in 2018.
Maarten Stekelenburg – will most likely remain unavailable until 2018 due to a groin strain.
Suspensions:
Chelsea will be unable to use Morata who was booked for over-celebrating the winning goal against Bournemouth. Rudiger might be on the bench to avoid a booking that could suspend him for the next game.
Despite the obvious lot problems Everton are facing, their unbeaten streak makes is something to worry about. Hopefully Conte’s boys will take full advantage of the slight edge they have in terms of lot fitness, amongst others.