Team News: Chelsea sweating on key duo ahead of PL return

Chelsea sweating on the fitness of Christian Pulisic and Thiago Silva

According to the Express, Chelsea is sweating on the fitness of Thiago Silva and Christian Pulisic.

The duo are key players in Frank Lampard’s setup. While Pulisic was arguably our best player last season, Silva has helped turn around our defensive frailties.

Pulisic has only played sparingly for us since limping off in the FA Cup final last season.

The young winger initially met up with the USA national squad last week before returning to Cobham to undergo treatment on a hamstring problem. USA head coach Gregg Berhalter admitted that Pulisic would be fit in time to return against Newcastle.

While the Blues still have enough in their tank to bet off the Magpies, the prospect of losing the dynamic attacker for yet another game will be frustrating.

Pulisic has what it takes to be a gamechanger. Adding his strengths to an attack that is gradually finding its feet can make us an offensive powerhouse. However, it would appear that we have to be patient until that happens.

At 36, Silva is not young anymore. While his ability to organize the rearguard cannot be questioned, his physical ability to withstand a heavy schedule can be.

Lampard has admitted that he will have to make optimal use of the defender and cannot play him thrice a week. With games against Rennes and Tottenham Hotspur to come, it remains to be seen if Silva will be rested.

More Chelsea News

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• Ashley Cole lavishes praise on Chelsea star Ben Chilwell
• Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger keen to join Barcelona in January

Ben Chilwell is another Chelsea star nursing an injury. The defender who is suffering from a back spasm is now back in England training.

Whether he makes the cut this weekend remains to be seen.