Chelsea hope to have Cole Palmer and Reece James available for their Premier League clash at home to Brentford this afternoon.
The Blues duo have missed both of Liam Rosenior’s first two games in charge at Stamford Bridge, ruled out of the FA Cup third round win over Charlton before also sitting out of the Carabao Cup showdown with Arsenal.
Palmer has been dealing with a chronic groin issue for much of the season but that was not the reason behind his latest absences having picked up a minor thigh strain.
Both he and James returned to training on Thursday and will be expected to make the squad for the visit of the Bees.
Malo Gusto has also missed the last two matches, remaining a doubt for today’s game.
Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens are two further doubts after picking up a virus that has been going around at Cobham, also affecting several members of staff.
Moises Caicedo sat out of the 3-2 defeat to the Gunners as he served his third suspension of the season.
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He is expected to return to the side today to partner Enzo Fernandez in midfield.
Chelsea XI to face Brentford – Metro prediction
James’ availability should see him reclaim his spot at right-back with Palmer slotting back into his no10 role.
Alejandro Garnacho meanwhile will surely have forced his way into the starting XI after coming off the bench to score twice against Arsenal.
Rosenior has named Marc Guiu up front in each of his two games at the helm with Joao Pedro taking up a deeper role midweek. But should Palmer start, the Brazil international could be pushed up top again.
Chelsea vs Brentford TV channel, live stream and kick-off time
Chelsea vs Brentford kicks off today (Saturday 17 January) at 3pm.
Given that kick-off slot, the match will not be broadcast live in the UK.
You can however follow all the action with Metro’s LIVE blog.
