Chelsea stars to return from injury next week

What’s the story?

Antonio Conte has confirmed that Charly Musonda and David Luiz will be fit for Chelsea's FA Cup 3rd round fixture vs Norwich City. Speaking in the press conference, the manager said that the duo were 'very close' to full fitness.

“Musonda and Luiz, I think they are improving a lot and I think their recovery is very close. ‘I don’t know if [they will be ready for] the next game but for sure the game against Norwich. For sure Luiz and Musonda will be available.” said the manager.

In case you didn’t know...

Chelsea has a very thin squad and Antonio Conte wanted his players to be available at all the time. The duo, however, got injured last month and have been unavailable ever since.

The heart of the matter

The future of the two players at the club, however, is in doubt. They are not regulars in the team and will not be getting much game time this season.

David Luiz is a target for Real Madrid and Arsenal. The two clubs are keen on signing the Brazilian as they need defensive reinforcements. Apart from these two clubs, Manchester United and Barcelona have also been linked.

As for Charly Musaondo, Real Betis and unnamed Mid-table Premier League clubs are interested in signing him. Chelsea are bound to loan him out for the rest of te season as he too has asked for a move.

What's next?

Conte will only let go of them if the board signs new players for him. The manager would not want to deplete his squad even more as they are nearing the business end of the season.

Author’s Take

The return of the two players is not going to affect the club too much but if they manage to get back into the starting XI, it would be exciting to see how they do it.