Chelsea have received a significant injury boost ahead of their FA Cup semi-final clash against Leeds United at Wembley, with Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro both in contention to return to the starting lineup.
The duo missed Tuesday's 3-0 defeat to Brighton due to injuries, a loss that ultimately ended Liam Rosenior's short-lived tenure as Chelsea head coach. However, interim boss Callum McFarlane, appointed until the end of the season, revealed on Friday that both players have returned to training.
'Joao and Cole have trained,' McFarlane said. 'They're in a good place. We don't know yet. We've got another day tomorrow where we'll look at that and make a decision. Yes, we hope they could both start. They'll train tomorrow and we'll make a call.'
However, not all injury news is positive for Chelsea. McFarlane confirmed that Brazilian winger Estevao will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a serious hamstring injury in the match against Manchester United.
'Estevao unfortunately won't play for us this season,' McFarlane added. 'He'll be out for a little bit of time. But we're here to support him.'
When asked about Estevao's chances of recovering in time for the World Cup, McFarlane admitted he was uncertain. 'I'm not sure on that if I'm honest. He won't be available for us. I'm sure he's very hopeful he can make the World Cup but I don't know on that.'
In addition, Chelsea will be without Levi Colwill, Reece James, Jamie Gittens, and Filip Jorgensen, who all remain sidelined due to various injuries.
The Blues will be hoping to bounce back from their disappointing defeat to Brighton and secure a place in the FA Cup final when they face Leeds United at Wembley on Sunday.
