Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a big boost as they both chase European football for next season, with Leicester City set to be without one of their stars for the rest of the season.
The Blues are aiming to secure Champions League qualification again, and currently sit third in the Premier League table heading into the final three games of the season.
They suffered a big blow on Saturday though as they fell to a 3-0 defeat at Sheffield United, in turn handing the advantage to the Foxes and Manchester United.
Spurs, meanwhile, gave their hopes of a Europa League place for next season a big lift after defeating bitter rivals Arsenal in the north London derby.
Jose Mourniho’s side currently sit eighth in the table, three points behind Wolves in sixth and two behind Sheffield United in seventh.
And, heading into their final three games, they’ve been handed a big boost, with Caglar Soyuncu set to miss out on Leicester’s final run-in.
The Turkey international was sent off during the Foxes 3-1 defeat at relegation-threatened Bournemouth, having kicked out at Callum Wilson following the Cherries’ second goal.
Barring any successful appeal, which would appear very unlikely, Soyuncu will now miss Leicester’s final three games of the season against Sheffield United, Spurs and Manchester United.
The fact the defender will be missing for the trip to north London will be a huge bonus for Mourinho’s men, although they may still need the Foxes to do them a favour against the Blades.
And it’s not just Spurs who could be helped by Soyuncu’s absence – with Leicester missing one of their standout stars this season, their hopes of clinging on to a place in the top four will take a hit, and will enhance Chelsea’s ambitions.
Of course, the outcome of Manchester City’s appeal against their Champions League ban will also have a big say in whether the Blues will make it to Europe’s top table next season, but after their heavy defeat at Bramall Lane, things are looking much brighter for Frank Lampard’s side.
