Chelsea have been handed a boost ahead of their Premier League clash against Aston Villa on Saturday, April 1. The Blues will return to action next weekend as they look to continue their unbeaten run in all competitions.
Graham Potter's side have won three of their last four fixtures in all competitions despite a disappointing 2-2 draw against Everton prior to the international break. Chelsea are level on points with Villa in the table and are looking to make a late charge for the top four as they sit 11 points adrift of Champions League qualification.
The west Londoners are expected to welcome back N'Golo Kante from injury for the game against Unai Emery's side after the Frenchman played a 60 minutes in a development squad friendly against Charlton Athletic during the international break. Potter may be without Reece James for the game against Villa after the Chelsea defender was withdrawn from the England squad to undergo an assessment regarding an ongoing injury problem.
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Villa could be without their own star right-back as Matty Cash was taken off during Poland's defeat against Czech Republic earlier this week. The Villa defender has returned to Bodymoor Heath after being forced off just nine minutes into Friday’s Euro 2024 qualifier with a calf injury.
Cash has been a key player for Emery since he replaced Steven Gerrard as manager at Villa Park. A subsequent scan confirmed Cash had strained a muscle in his calf and he is expected to miss around a week of training – putting his participation in Villa’s Premier League match at Stamford Bridge in serious question.
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