According to a report by Sky Sports, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has delivered encouraging news regarding the fitness of Pedro Neto and Malo Gusto ahead of their Premier League clash with Aston Villa.
Both players, who missed last weekend's 2-1 victory over Leicester City, appear to be on track for a return to action, offering a significant boost to the team.
Neto, 24, has been a revelation for Chelsea this season, impressing with his pace, creativity, and clinical edge.
Before his injury during the international break with Portugal, he was in outstanding form, drawing praise from pundits like Shaka Hislop, who labeled him the Premier League's best summer signing.
His absence against Leicester was noticeable, but Maresca confirmed that Neto has been training fully and is likely to feature on Sunday.
If fit, Neto's return will provide Chelsea with a cutting edge in attack, as he has consistently been one of the team's most dangerous players this season.
Similarly, Malo Gusto, the 21-year-old right-back, has quietly become a vital part of Maresca's system.
Gusto missed the Leicester match due to illness, but his impact has been remarkable, with some metrics rating his contribution higher than marquee signing Moises Caicedo.
Gusto's ability to balance defensive solidity with attacking support makes him an invaluable asset, particularly in Chelsea's high-pressing system.
With his recovery seemingly complete, Gusto is expected to slot back into the starting XI, replacing Wesley Fofana, who covered admirably but lacks Gusto's attacking dynamism.
Maresca's cautious approach to the Conference League match against Heidenheim further underscores his focus on having both players fit for the Villa game.
Neither Neto nor Gusto has traveled with the squad for Thursday's European fixture, with the manager emphasizing the need to avoid unnecessary risks.
This decision not only prioritizes their recovery but also highlights the importance of Sunday's league encounter.
Chelsea will need all hands on deck against Aston Villa, a team known for its robust defensive organization and counterattacking threat.
Comments