Chelsea boost as Lavia nears return, Jackson future in flux
Predicted Chelsea 4-2-3-1 vs Burnley: Sánchez; James, Fofana, Chalobah, Hato; Caicedo, Santos; Neto, Palmer, Fernández; João Pedro. Cucurella, Lavia, Colwill, Mudryk out. Palmer and James passed fit.
Data confirms John Terry holds most Premier League clean sheets for a centre-back (218) and is top-scoring CB (41). Gary Cahill is second for goals, with Virgil van Dijk further back but climbing.
Paul Merson hails Andrey Santos as one of Chelsea’s best under Rosenior, enabling Caicedo’s pivot and Palmer wide with Fernández at 10. He predicts a comfortable win over Burnley.
Sporting winger Geovany Quenda, set to join Chelsea in July, is finishing metatarsal rehab at Cobham. He will return to Lisbon in March to resume training, with minutes targeted later that month.
Backing Liam Rosenior, the piece credits tactical tweaks boosting Enzo Fernández, Cole Palmer and Andrey Santos, plus a winning mentality reminiscent of Mourinho, for Chelsea’s resurgence.
Sport say Chelsea and Arsenal have asked about Julián Álvarez and can exceed €100m, though Atlético do not want to sell and could demand up to €200m, pricing out Barcelona.
Nicolas Jackson, on loan at Bayern, is in early talks over a summer move. Aston Villa and other Premier League clubs are monitoring, with Chelsea likely to seek a fee if he departs permanently.
Report claims Dembele, amid contract strain at PSG and criticised by Luis Enrique, has offered himself to Chelsea, though his €60m-per-year demands and a fee would test the club’s wage structure.
Chelsea’s owners are now open to signing experienced leaders this summer, moving away from a youth-only focus, with value still key after a quiet January and misses on targets.
Tosin Adarabioyo targets first league start after hamstring injury. He excelled at Burnley in November and could start or be used late on for aerial strength if Chelsea defend a narrow lead.
A friend claims a ‘very high’ chance Palmer joins Man Utd, but there are no indications he wants to leave and he is contracted at Chelsea until 2033, putting the club in a strong position.
Scott Parker praises Liam Rosenior’s rapid progress before Burnley visit Chelsea. Parker recalls his short Blues spell as Chelsea chase vital points in the top-four race.
Liam Rosenior urges life bans for players or coaches found guilty of racism, backing Vinícius Júnior’s right to be upset while awaiting Uefa’s investigation into Gianluca Prestianni’s alleged abuse.
Palmer and captain James are fully fit and available, but Cucurella remains out with a hamstring injury. Rosenior may turn to Hato or Gusto at left-back as Chelsea face Burnley at Stamford Bridge.
Ex-Chelsea midfielder Oscar nears São Paulo exit, waiving about €9.8m while seeking roughly €1.3m in instalments after a health issue. He plans to retire, closing a career fondly recalled at Stamford Bridge.
Jack Grealish, linked via Shaun Derry, has congratulated and advised Jesse Derry, who debuted vs Hull. A loan next season is possible as the Chelsea youngster seeks regular minutes.
After Chelsea triggered Marc Guiu’s £5m clause, Barcelona added contracts with conditions to lift release clauses. Guiu has featured under Rosenior but minutes remain limited behind João Pedro.
Romeo Lavia plays for Chelsea U21s vs Leeds to build fitness. After two weeks of full training, he could return for Arsenal if unscathed, boosting midfield options alongside Caicedo, Fernandez and Santos.
