LONDON — As Chelsea prepare for a decisive final-day trip to the Stadium of Light, interim manager Calum McFarlane has delivered a significant positive update on two key players, offering hope that the Blues can field a strengthened squad against Sunderland on Sunday.
Football.london understands that striker Joao Pedro picked up a knock in the build-up to Chelsea’s midweek victory over Tottenham Hotspur. The Brazilian was one of three notable absences from the matchday squad at Stamford Bridge, alongside right-back Malo Gusto and centre-back Levi Colwill.
While Gusto was sidelined with a minor injury, Colwill was rested after only recently returning from a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Their potential returns could prove pivotal as Chelsea chase European qualification in what has become a congested bottom half of the Premier League table.
Speaking to reporters at Cobham on Friday afternoon, McFarlane confirmed encouraging news regarding the pair.
“They both trained today,” McFarlane said. “Both promising, and we’re hopeful they’ll be fit for Sunday. No other updates.”
When pressed on club captain Reece James, the 38-year-old interim boss added: “Reece has trained today. We’ll play it day by day with Reece. He’s fit and in good condition, but we know we need to manage him carefully. He played a lot of minutes in the final, and that will take it out of you.”
The update comes at a critical juncture for Chelsea. Having fallen short in last weekend’s FA Cup final, the Blues can no longer rely on cup success for European football. With just one Premier League match remaining, they sit 8th on 52 points — one behind Brighton in 7th (53 points) and level with Brentford in 9th (52 points). Sunderland occupy 10th place with 51 points.
Newcastle United, Everton, and Fulham are all on 49 points, meaning even if they win on the final day, they would need a substantial goal swing to overtake Chelsea.
McFarlane previewed the high-stakes clash against Régis Le Bris’ Sunderland side, who also need a victory to keep their European hopes alive.
“It’s going to be a great game – both teams need to win,” he said. “We need one more push, three points and hopefully get ourselves up the table.”
A win at the Stadium of Light, combined with favourable results elsewhere, could see Chelsea climb as high as 7th, securing a place in either the Europa League or Europa Conference League. The return of Pedro’s attacking threat and Colwill’s defensive solidity would significantly boost their chances in what promises to be a tense, winner-takes-all-style encounter on the final day.
All eyes will now be on the team selection and how McFarlane manages his squad’s fitness over the next 48 hours.