Chelsea have been handed a major injury boost as both Moises Caicedo and Joao Pedro trained ahead of Chelsea’s Champions League meeting with Benfica tomorrow.
Speaking pre-match, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca said the pair would need to be assessed before the match after picking up minor injuries against Brighton on Saturday, as would Andrey Santos, who missed Monday’s session.
“As you said in this moment we have, unfortunately, many players out with injury,” Maresca told the press.
“This afternoon we are going to assess Caicedo, Joao Pedro and Andrey Santos. They are all players, unfortunately for us, with some small problems.
“So, we will see tomorrow if they are going to be available. For sure, in this moment, we have injuries, but I think we have enough in the squad to replace the injuries that we have.”
Caicedo and Pedro’s appearance in training suggests they will be fit enough to contribute on Tuesday night.
Santos’ involvement seems unlikely, though, as he did not participate in the session.
Pedro had complained of not being at full fitness after returning from the September international break, but played in a 2-2 draw with Brentford regardless. Only Marc Cucurella played more minutes for Chelsea than Caicedo last season.
The Blues are in the midst of an injury crisis as they brace to host Jose Mourinho’s side, with the likes of Cole Palmer, Wesley Fofana, and Tosin Adarabioyo all ruled out until after the international break.
After being beaten comfortably by Bayern Munich in their Champions League opener, Chelsea will hope to claim their first European points of the season as Benfica visit west London.
Maresca led Chelsea to 4-1 victory over Benfica at the Club World Cup, but Mourinho’s recent managerial appointment - he signed less than two weeks ago - has complicated the Italian’s preparation for the tie.
He said: "It's probably a little bit more difficult because all the games I have watched is with the former manager. It will be a completely different game compared to the Club World Cup game."
