Graham Potter has confirmed Chelsea will still be without Raheem Sterling tomorrow against Aston Villa.
Chelsea return to action after the international break this weekend with a Premier League fixture at home to Villa.
Graham Potter’s side are mid-table in the league and struggling domestically, but there is still plenty of motivation this season with a Champions League quarter-final just around the corner.
The Blues beat Villa 2-0 in the reverse league fixture this season. They’re now under new management with Unai Emery, though.
Raheem Sterling, who’s not played since 7 March, will not be fit enough to face Villa.
The 28-year-old Blues attacker missed the two matches before the international break with a hamstring problem. The same issue meant he wasn’t involved with the England squad during the last two weeks, too.
Chelsea’s weekend clash with Villa is going to come too soon for his return, but he may be able to return a few days later against Liveprool.
“Raheem’s coming back. He’ll miss the game [against Aston Villa]. I think he’ll have more chance for Tuesday. He was close,” Potter said in his pre-match press conference.
Sterling could be back playing next Tuesday night when Chelsea host Liverpool in the Premier League. The £50million (BBC) attacker would surely love a crack at one of his former clubs.
He scored a vital against in the Champions League win over Dortmund during his last appearance, but he’s had a stop-start 2023 so far due to injuries.
His return of seven goals in 27 games makes him Chelsea’s second-highest goalscorer this season behind Kai Havertz.
We think he could play a really important role in the final third of the campaign if he can stay fit.
Sterling confirmed earlier this week it’s good to be back in Chelsea training. It doesn’t sound like fans will have to wait long to see him back in a matchday squad.
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