Enzo Maresca’s planning will already be well underway as Chelsea’s route to the Champions League next season has become clear.
The Italian is safe in the knowledge that a win on the final day of the season will be enough to secure their place in the top five of the table, with a game against Nottingham Forest to come.
Chelsea will be counting on their key players to step up, with some of them already pushing through the pain barrier to feature.
Enzo Fernandez has been ill for the last two games, however has asked to play in order to help Chelsea achieve their goals.
Two key Chelsea players set to return from injury for Forest game
The biggest conundrum for Maresca at this stage is trying to find a solution to their ongoing striker woes. Nicolas Jackson will be unavailable following his red card against Newcastle.
Tyrique George started up front for the narrow win against Manchester United, however the Blues may be about to welcome back two key options to play the position for the final game of the season.
According to the Evening Standard, both Christopher Nkunku and Marc Guiu could return in time for the trip to the City Ground.
The Spaniard has not featured since the start of February, whereas Nkunku has not featured in the last five Premier League games.
Maresca’s striker conundrum
Maresca admitted he could start George up front again for the final game of the season based on what he saw in the win over United, despite it being just the youngster’s first Premier League start.
However, with the physical challenge that the Forest centre-backs pose, having a natural number nine would likely be his preferred solution.
The Chelsea Chronicle believe Guiu would be the best option to feature in the role, should he be fit enough to feature from the start.
Given the fact that it could be Nkunku’s last Premier League game for the club, it may be difficult for him to perform at the level Chelsea require to achieve Champions League qualification.
