Chelsea head coach Maurizio Sarri has calmed fears regarding Antonio Rudiger and Pedro’s respective injuries, insisting that he expects the duo to return to action without much delay.
Pedro sustained a shoulder injury during the Blues’ 1-0 Europa League win in midweek and the Spaniard was out of the matchday squad for their Premier League clash with West Ham United on Sunday.
Speaking at his post-match press conference after the 0-0 draw against the Hammers, Sarri stated that Pedro should be available for selection by the weekend, at the latest.
Rudiger came off in the 69th minute, replaced by Gary Cahill, but Sarri wasn’t perturbed by the German defender’s complaint as he felt that the issue wasn’t a serious one and he expected him to miss training for only a few days at most.
Despite the Italian’s assurances, however, the duo remains a major injury doubt for the midweek Carabao Cup clash with Liverpool.
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Chelsea’s 100 per cent record in the Premier League came to an end on Sunday as they failed to break down a disciplined Hammers side at the London Stadium.
The Blues were topping the league going into Matchday 6, but find themselves in third place after their first draw of the season.
Liverpool lead the pack with 18 points from six matches, two points ahead of both Manchester City and Chelsea. The defending champions are level with Sarri’s men on points, but ahead due to their superior goal difference.
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After their midweek clash with the Reds, Chelsea face the same opponents on the weekend, this time in a crucial Premier League clash.
So far, they have been among the most impressive sides in the English top-flight but after their double-header against Liverpool, the picture will be a lot clearer.