Chelsea travel to Stockholm this week for the first leg of their UEFA Conference League semi-final against Djurgarden.
Chelsea have stormed their way through this season’s Conference League tournament so far, winning nine out of 10 games en route to the semis.
Next, the Blues face Swedish club Djurgarden, the surprise semi-finalists in the European competition.
Enzo Maresca’s side will be hoping to build up an aggregate lead in the first leg before the return contest at Stamford Bridge a week later.
Djurgarden play on an artificial pitch, which has received complaints from the side’s own players. Therefore, the first leg could bring its challenges to Chelsea, even though they’re strong favourites to win and reach the final.
Djurgarden goalkeeper Jacob Rinne misses training on Monday
Ahead of the European semi-final against Chelsea on Thursday, Djurgarden manager Jani Honkavaara has confirmed that first-choice goalkeeper Jacob Rinne was absent from his side’s training session on Monday.
The 31-year-old gloveman missed Djurgarden’s previous league match against Osters IF last Thursday through illness. Apparently, he’s still not feeling well enough to return to training, but there’s optimism he’ll be back in time to face Chelsea.
Honkavaara said via Swedish publication Aftonbladet: “I think he (Rinne) will come tomorrow. He is still a little sick. I think he has the flu or something, but it was a bit long for him. He got something after the Gais match.
“Our situation with only two goalkeepers in the European matches makes it a bit difficult, but hopefully he will be back. I trust that.”
Rinne, who’s played three times for Sweden, was playing in Saudi Arabia with Al-Fateh for two years before his move to Djurgarden in 2024. He’s been an important player for the Swedish club since.
| Appearances | Goals conceded | Clean sheets |
| 23 | 26 | 8 |
If Djurgarden are to cause an upset against Chelsea, they’re going to need all their key players.
Chelsea vs Djurgarden in the Conference League
Chris Sutton’s message to Chelsea earlier in the season is that it would be “embarrassing” if they don’t win this year’s Conference League. Well, they’re only three games away from lifting the European prize.
The Blues have made light work of the competition so far to reach the semis. However, upcoming opponents Djurgarden have impressed as well to reach the latter stages.
| Club | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals scored | Goals against |
| Chelsea | 9 | 0 | 1 | 33 | 8 |
| Djurgarden | 6 | 1 | 3 | 18 | 10 |
On the other half of the draw, Real Betis play Fiorentina in an eye-catching semi-final.
Of course, Chelsea will be competing to win the Conference League as the pre-tournament favourites. It’s worth noting that they’re involved in an extremely competitive race in the Premier League to finish in the Champions League positions as well.
