Here are your Chelsea morning headlines for Wednesday, March 18.
UEFA issue update on Premier League season
UEFA have said that they are committed to completing all domestic and European club competitions including the Champions League and the Europa League by the end of the current season.
As well as a delay on the European competitions, domestic leagues around Europe have also been put on hold.
UEFA held an emergency meeting on Tuesday, where the decision was made to suspend the European championships for a year, with the international tournament originally due to take place during the summer.
In the resolution signed by UEFA, the European Club Association, European Leagues and FIFAPRO Europe, the organisations have agreed to conclude the competitions by June 30th at the latest should the situation improve.
The document also reveals the possible dropping of exclusive calendar slots, which could mean league games being played during midweek and European games at the weekend.
There also could be changes to the qualifying rounds of next season’s competitions should the season extend beyond June 30th, although what these changes could be are not clear.
Hudson-Odoi update
Chelsea head coach Frank Lampard has provided the latest update on Callum Hudson-Odoi after the winger tested positive for coronavirus.
The teenager shared updates on him undertaking his own fitness work on Tuesday, and now his boss has provided the latest on his recovery.
"I’m happy to say that in Callum’s case, he has made great progress and almost feels his usual self, which is obviously the news we all want to hear," Lampard told the club’s official website.
"I am of course aware that not everyone can or will recover from this virus, so I urge all of the football and sporting community to continue to act responsibly and look out for the health of others.
"I want to make it clear that I am no medical expert when it comes to challenging times such as these but please do take the time to call older relatives and vulnerable people who might be alone, or offer to drop round shopping if they can’t get out. Let’s make sure we all take care of each other.
John Obi Mikel takes a stand
Ex-Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has left Turkish Super Lig leaders Trabzonspor by mutual consent.
The former Nigeria captain has been vocal about his displeasure surrounding Turkish football continuing to play games - albeit behind closed doors - amid the coronavirus outbreak.
And as a result, he has now ended his contract at Trabzonspor, giving up his wages in order to become a free agent.
Mikel took to social media afterwards to explain his stance.
"There is more to life than football," he wrote on Instagram. "I do not feel comfortable and do not want to play football in this situation.
"Everyone should be home with their families and loved ones in this critical time. Season should be cancelled as the world is facing such turbulent times."
Loftus-Cheek theory
It was announced on Tuesday afternoon by UEFA that the decision has been made to reschedule the planned European Championship finals, with the tournament being moved back to the summer of 2021.
The Euros were due to take place in June this year, but the outbreak of coronavirus around the world and the subsequent postponement of domestic leagues left the authority with a decision to make.
While the move could be seen as far from ideal, there is one Chelsea player who the decision could benefit greatly, as pointed out by Chelsea fans on Reddit and Twitter.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek is yet to make a first team appearance for the Blues this season after suffering a ruptured achilles in the post-season friendly against New England Revolution at the end of last season.
The England international is now stepping up his recovery and has been an unused substitute in two of Chelsea's last three Premier League games. He has also played 90 minutes for the U23's in recent weeks.
Had the Euros taken place this summer, a lack of games may have counted against Loftus-Cheek, but the extra 12 months increases his chances breaking back into the England squad for the tournament.
