Chelsea were back in training on Wednesday as they prepare for the upcoming fixture against Everton.
The Blues host Everton on Monday night in the Premier League, which is an important match for both teams.
For Mauricio Pochettino’s side, they need a response after last Sunday’s very underwhelming 2-2 draw at Sheffield United. It leaves them ninth in the league table and big work to do to finish in the European positions.
As for upcoming opponents Everton, they’re 16th in the league and only two points above the relegation zone because of more points deductions.
Everton can at least take some confidence from the fact they beat Chelsea 2-0 in the reverse fixture at Goodison Park back in December.
Why Chelsea defender missed Sheffield United
Chelsea were without one of their rare outstanding performers this season when they were held to a draw at Sheffield United.
Malo Gusto, 20, was unavailable for the Blues last weekend.
He’s been brilliant at right-back this campaign during the absence of Reece James, but centre-half Axel Disasi was forced to cover at full-back in Sheffield.
Speaking via Chelsea’s official app on Sunday, Blues head coach Pochettino shared that Gusto was left out of the squad versus Sheffield United so he could rest because of illness.
There’s good news about the French defender in the build-up to the Everton clash, though.
Malo Gusto is training
We’ll have to wait for an official line from Pochettino in his pre-match press conference to see if Gusto can return against Everton, but the signs definitely look quite positive.
Chelsea have uploaded some images on their official website of yesterday’s first-team training session at Cobham.
It’s great to spot £26m star (Sky Sports) Gusto training with the main group.
In our view, there’s no debate that he must return to the starting line-up against Everton if he’s available to play.