Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro should be eligible for Chelsea’s FA Cup semi-final matchup with Leeds United this weekend, according to interim manager Calum McFarlane. A spot in the FA Cup final is up for grabs as Chelsea takes on Leeds at Wembley on Sunday. After Liam Rosenior was fired this week, McFarlane was appointed temporary manager of the Blues until the end of the current campaign.
During his news conference on Friday, McFarlane gave the media an update on the state of his team. He stated that Estevao Willian, a young winger, will not play again this season but that Palmer and Pedro are both in the running to make an appearance. The Brazilian must work quickly to qualify for the World Cup this summer.”
“Unfortunately, Estevao will not be playing for us this season. He will be absent for a little while. We are here to help him. Cole [Palmer] and Joao [Pedro] both trained and are doing well. We’ll examine them and make a decision, but we don’t yet know. We are optimistic since they will be training tomorrow.”
Late calls on Palmer and Joao Pedro
Joao Pedro, recuperating from a thigh ailment, and Cole Palmer, out due to a hamstring issue, both missed the loss to Brighton but have since returned to training. They are “in a good place”, according to interim manager Calum McFarlane, but he stressed that their participation against Leeds United would be determined following Saturday’s practice. Their possible comeback gives Chelsea a much-needed boost before the Wembley semi-final, even though their fitness is still being evaluated.
“Cole and Joao both trained today and are doing well. We have another day tomorrow to look at them and then decide whether or not they can feature on Sunday, but we’re not sure yet. However, we hope that they can participate, but it’s crucial that we give them time. They will both participate in our training tomorrow, and following that session, we will give them a call.”
