Chelsea have received a significant triple injury boost ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup final against Manchester City, with interim head coach Callum McFarlane confirming positive updates on Pedro Neto, Alejandro Garnacho, and Robert Sanchez.
The Blues have been severely hampered by injuries in recent weeks, leaving them without natural wingers for last weekend’s 1-1 draw at Liverpool. Neto and Garnacho were sidelined with muscular issues, while goalkeeper Sanchez required on-pitch treatment after suffering a nasty head wound in the earlier clash with Nottingham Forest.
Sanchez’s injury occurred following a collision with Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White, marking the second occasion a Chelsea player was forced off with a head injury at Stamford Bridge that month. The developments left McFarlane with limited options, but the situation appears to have improved markedly in the build-up to the Wembley showpiece.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, McFarlane delivered an encouraging assessment: “Pedro Neto and Ale Garnacho have trained well this week. Looking hopeful for them.” On Sanchez, he added: “Yep. Same news as the other lads, to be honest. He’s trained really well this week so we will see on Saturday.”
The potential availability of all three players represents a major lift for Chelsea as they chase silverware to salvage what has been an underwhelming campaign. Neto and Garnacho’s return would restore much-needed width and dynamism to the attack, while Sanchez’s presence would bolster confidence between the posts for a high-stakes final.
However, not all injury concerns have been resolved. Estevao Willian, Jamie Gittens, and Jesse Derry remain sidelined as Chelsea head into the final two Premier League matches of the season. On a brighter note, Levi Colwill made his long-awaited return after 295 days on the sidelines, featuring in the 3-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest. McFarlane praised the defender’s efforts, noting he is “focused on getting himself back and playing for Chelsea” and is working hard to recapture the level fans have come to expect.
The interim coach highlighted a positive atmosphere within the squad. “I’ve been happy with the whole group – players in the squad and players out the squad,” McFarlane said. “The level of professionalism at times… I’m confident we will get a similar level of performance as we did vs Liverpool. We ticked a lot of boxes in that game.”
Despite the optimism, McFarlane acknowledged the challenge posed by Manchester City and the historical context. Chelsea have struggled against Pep Guardiola’s side since 2021, with their most recent victory coming in the Champions League final via Kai Havertz’s winner. “They have the belief they can beat anyone,” McFarlane warned. “We know we need to be the best version of ourselves. We have some really good players and they have shown they can beat anyone if they are at their best.”
Pressure is inevitable at a club of Chelsea’s stature, yet McFarlane believes his players are ready to embrace it. The FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium is scheduled to kick off at 3pm on Saturday, May 16. With key personnel potentially returning, Chelsea have a genuine opportunity to produce a statement performance and lift the trophy.