Thomas Tuchel and his Chelsea side have a big day ahead of them as they face Crystal Palace in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley. The Blues will be hoping to book their place in a fifth final since the German coach has taken charge.
The Eagles won’t be an easy side to overcome though, having already taken points off of some of the top sides in the Premier League this season already. Midweek saw Chelsea have to play extra time too, only adding to the challenge of bouncing back from their Champions League exit.
In a boost to Tuchel, he will have a near-full squad at his disposal though and with five substitutes allowed in the competition, it could allow for him to make changes. Discussing the injury news, the head coach said: “Except for Ben Chilwell and Callum Hudson-Odoi. Everyone seems to be okay. Still have two more training sessions to go, so fingers crossed. Romelu [Lukaku] was back in training yesterday.”
READ MORE: Every word Thomas Tuchel said on Chelsea takeover, FA Cup, Conor Gallagher Marc Guehi, team news
As for Patrick Vieira and his side, they are set to make late decisions on two key players, while one other is guaranteed to not be involved. That one is Conor Gallagher, who is on loan from Chelsea.
The midfielder has enjoyed an incredible season at Selhurst Park, scoring eight and assisting three in 27 Premier League appearances. However, it’s also his energy that has been a crucial part of Vieira’s side, but he won’t be able to play against his parent club.
As for other absences, the Palace boss has confirmed that late decisions will be made on two players ahead of the trip to Wembley: “We have Tyrick [Mitchell] and Michael [Olise], who have had some training on the field individually yesterday and a little more today. Of course, then we have to wait until tomorrow to see any reaction but they will only get involved in the game if they are 100 percent fit.”
Both Tyrick Mitchell and Michael Olise have played important roles under their new manager this season and if they were to both miss out. It could leave the former Arsenal midfielder with decisions to make over shuffling his team selection as their absence would leave them without the defensive stability of Mitchell and the creative spark of Olise.
