Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek could be available for Monday’s FA Cup fifth-round clash at home to Manchester United. The England international missed the Europa League tie in Malmo on Thursday due to an ongoing back problem and he will require a late fitness test to prove his himself in time for the match at Stamford Bridge.
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Chelsea assistant Gianfranco Zola has revealed that several unnamed first-team players will be assessed ahead of the game, although he confirmed a “very strong” starting XI will be named.
Left-back Marcos Alonso was rested for the European encounter and he is expected to return, whilst Eden Hazard, N’Golo Kante and Gonzalo Higuain are all set to be recalled after being demoted to the bench against Malmo.
English forward Callum Hudson-Odoi, who continues to be linked with a move to Bayern Munich, may also be handed a chance to impress as the Blues try to persuade him to stay at the club.
