Chelsea are well-placed to secure Champions League qualification ahead of the Premier League run-in
Chelsea will be eager to return to winning ways after the international break. The Blues will host Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge next week as they both look to climb the Premier League table.
Enzo Maresca's side head into the clash off the back of a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. Despite dropping crucial points in the race for Champions League qualification, Chelsea remain fourth ahead of the run-in.
While the West Londoners are expected to welcome back some big names from injury, Spurs will be determined to rain on their rivals' parade. So, with that being said, football.london has rounded up what the perfect end to the international break looks like for Chelsea.
Maresca given positive Palmer injury update
Cole Palmer had the chance to recharge his batteries over the international break. The 22-year-old midfielder was unwell before picking up a knock in training ahead of Chelsea's clash against Arsenal.
Prior to the defeat at the Emirates Stadium, Palmer had started each of the Blues' games in the Premier League this season, scoring 14 goals and providing six assists. Playing a key role in Maresca's side, the England international has fired Chelsea to fourth in the table.
In an ideal world, Palmer returns to action after a couple of weeks rest and leads the West Londoners to victory over Tottenham Hotspur. A win against the Lilywhites would be huge for Chelsea in the race for Champions League qualification.
James continues rich vein of form
Maresca will be hoping that Reece James can continue his rich vein of form after the international break. The 25-year-old defender marked his return to the England starting lineup with a brilliant performance, bagging the man of the match award.
James scored an excellent goal in the Three Lions' win over Latvia on Monday night, helping Thomas Tuchel claim another three points in the bid for World Cup qualification. If he can pick up from where he left off, Chelsea will certainly fancy their chances against Tottenham.
Jackson and Madueke return from injury
Chelsea haven't quite been the same without Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke. The former suffered a hamstring problem during the Blues' 2-1 win over West Ham in February, and he's been out of action ever since.
Jackson, who enjoyed a great start to the season, was not thought to have suffered a major knock, only for a scan to later reveal a much bigger problem. Speaking to reporters last month, Maresca confirmed that the striker won't return until after the March international break.
"We knew it was a muscular problem but not how important it was," said the Chelsea boss. "His reaction was good so we didn't think it was a big injury. Unfortunately, he had the scan and it is an important one - he will be out for six to eight weeks."
Then, in March, Maresca added: "Nico has started to do some running outside which is good. But I don't think there is any change with his status, we are still looking at after the international break for him [before returning]."
Maresca will also be without Madueke until April after suffering a hamstring injury during Chelsea's 3-0 defeat to Brighton in the Premier League. The Blues would be given a huge boost if the duo are fit to face Tottenham.
Chelsea drop Isak bombshell
Chelsea already have two transfers lined up ahead of the summer, signing Dario Essugo and Geovany Quenda from Sporting CP, so one more would just be the cherry on top. The Blues should look no further than Alexander Isak.
The Newcastle United striker has been heavily linked with a move away from St. James' Park for a while now - and Chelsea should do whatever it takes to secure his signature. Isak, who sees his contract expire in June 2028, has featured 25 times in the English top-flight this season, scoring 19 goals and providing five assists.
Playing a key role in Eddie Howe's side, the 25-year-old has fired the Magpies into the top six. Isak also led Newcastle to Carabao Cup glory, finding the net against Liverpool in the final at Wembley Stadium.
The Sweden international's impressive performances haven't gone under the radar, with lots of top clubs said to be interested. If Chelsea, somehow, managed to wrap up a deal for Isak this month then that would the perfect end to the international break.
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