It’s looking likely that Chelsea FC will be without three key players heading into their game against West Bromwich Albion. Diego Costa, Pedro and Nemanja Matic, three players who have been crucial in Antonio Conte’s 3-5-3 formation, all have fitness issues to resolve. Only time will tell if their absences will be felt in this weekend’s upcoming game.
(Editor’s Note: the following Chelsea FC injury report is by Caleb Thompson)
Antonio Conte is worried that Diego Costa will not be fit, as the striker hobbled off the pitch in the dying stages of the 3-1 win against Manchester City. It was a great result, but it was of course marred by that ugly brawl which saw Sergio Aguero suspended, and some interesting comments from Gary Cahill.
Credit David Luiz though for taking the high road in reaction to the Aguero incident. Getting back to Costa, his limping was due to a muscle injury that he had picked up.
His chances of starting against West Brom are 50/50 at the moment, but his fellow teammates would obviously like him in the first team squad, given the fine form he has been displaying.
Pedro is another player that Antonio Conte has fitness worries over.
He is one of the many players who have been crucial to Chelsea’s top of the table ascension. Pedro has been struggling with an ankle injury after being substituted off for Willian early on against Manchester City.
He’s also 50-50 for this one.
Nemanja Matic didn’t play against Manchester City last week because of a “little muscular problem,” and it looks like that injury hasn’t gone healed. This means Cesc Fabregas will most likely step in for Matic against WBA. This likely won’t be a problem after his good performance in the Manchester City win.
These injuries are a set back for Chelsea but with the depth of their squad, finding replacements for the missing trio should not be a big problem for Antonio Conte.
We will find out if these injury woes affect Chelsea’s performance, and the bottom line on the score sheet against West Brom.