Head coach Mauricio Pochettino has revealed that Thiago Silva and Marc Cucurella could both return to the Chelsea squad for Saturday's Premier League fixture at Brentford.
Given the amount of injuries that Chelsea have suffered and continue to suffer, Pochettino had to find a balance with rotation when the FA Cup tie with Leeds United on Wednesday night came just 72 hours after going to extra time with Liverpool in the EFL Cup final.
Pochettino limited himself to five alterations, bringing on the rested players in the second half, but there is now a shorter gap between that encounter and the one with Brentford.
However, as well as being able to welcome back midfielder Cesare Casadei after his cup ineligibility, it has been revealed that Silva and Cucurella could be selected in the squad.
Silva has missed the last three games with a groin issue sustained against Crystal Palace on February 12, while Cucurella has not featured since requiring ankle surgery in December.
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Addressing the media at a press conference on Friday, Pochettino hinted that both players could be available to feature among the replacements.
Speaking to reporters, he said: "We need to assess [Thiago Silva] and Marc Cucurella, both have the possibility to be involved in the squad. It's good news."
On a negative note, Pochettino gave more details over the injury suffered by Christopher Nkunku, who is now spending a third period on the sidelines since his arrival from RB Leipzig last summer.
After already sustained problems with his knee and hip, the France international will not return until after the March international break due to a hamstring problem.
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The Argentine added: "Nkunku, I think he suffered a problem in his hamstring and now we see if he can be OK in a few weeks.
"Now he is doing recovery, he's a bit unlucky. It's tough for a player that didn't play too much. He was so good in pre-season but it has been a difficult season for him.
"I say bad luck because I don't have the knowledge about medicine and why these things happen. I say bad luck because I don't have other things to say."
Chelsea head into the game at the Gtech Community Stadium looking to return to the top 10 in the Premier League standings.
Darren Plant
