Chelsea could be without Cesar Azpilicueta when Southampton travel to face them on Boxing Day.
The Blues will head into the game with confidence following their 2-0 win away at Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, but it seems they may not have some of their key players to call upon.
Mateo Kovacic picked up his fifth booking of the season and will, therefore, be suspended when Southampton visit Stamford Bridge, and experienced defender Azpilicueta may not be available, either.
The Spanish defender was forced off in the closing stages of Chelsea’s win at Tottenham with what appeared to have been a muscle injury.
Speaking to the Blues’ official club website after the game, Azpilicueta was uncertain about his fitness ahead of his side’s fixture against Saints but appeared optimistic. He said:
Hopefully, with the Christmas presents, I will get fit to play on Boxing Day.
Read Southampton’s verdict
Azpilicueta has been an important player in Frank Lampard’s plans at Chelsea this season, and the Blues boss will undoubtedly hope to have him available on Boxing Day.
In a youthful group, the Spaniard’s experience has proven to be valuable, and he turned in a good display against Spurs at the weekend.
Saints head into this one as the underdogs, but they will fancy their chances at Stamford Bridge having seen West Ham and Bournemouth achieve wins in West London in recent weeks.
