Chelsea secured a spot in the FA Cup final, but their Premier League form hit a low after a 3-1 home defeat to a rotated Nottingham Forest team focused on a Europa League semi-final. The loss drops Chelsea to ninth place, making a top-five finish unlikely without victories in their remaining games and help from Aston Villa. Champions League hopes remain slim but possible.
The match saw head injuries force substitutions for goalkeeper Robert Sanchez and debutant Jesse Derry. Positively, Levi Colwill returned from injury to play the full second half, while Filip Jorgensen made his first appearance since March 11, replacing Sanchez.
Robert Sanchez
Sanchez left the field just after the hour mark at Stamford Bridge following a clash with Morgan Gibbs-White, who also exited after treatment. Initial concerns pointed to concussion, though the substitution did not follow Premier League protocols. Chelsea medical staff at Cobham will perform interval checks per FA return-to-play guidelines before clearing him for the Liverpool match. His availability awaits assessment results.
Potential return: Unknown
Pedro Neto
The Portugal international sat out the Forest game with a knock sustained beforehand. He faces no long-term absence.
Potential return: Saturday, May 9, vs Liverpool (A)
Alejandro Garnacho
Garnacho missed selection against Forest due to a training knock. Chelsea head coach McFarlane provided an update before kickoff: “It’s nothing serious. They both took knocks in training, so we’re just managing that.” He expects recovery in time for Anfield.
Potential return: Saturday, May 9, vs Liverpool (A)
Estevao
Estevao suffered a hamstring tweak while through on goal against Manchester United, exiting in the 15th minute. He will miss the rest of the season, with concerns over his summer World Cup participation. McFarlane told reporters: “Estevao unfortunately won’t play for us this season. He’ll be out for a little bit of time. But we’re here to support him.”
Potential return: Unknown
Reece James
The captain sustained a hamstring injury in the March 17 loss to Newcastle, missing seven games and England duty. He has resumed full training and was an unused substitute against Forest. Minutes against Liverpool could build his sharpness for the FA Cup final.
Potential return: Saturday, May 9, vs Liverpool (A)
Jamie Gittens
Gittens injured his hamstring during a January 31 start against West Ham, initially targeting a March 17 return before a setback. The 21-year-old has not resumed full training. Former head coach Liam Rosenior commented: “I can’t give you a definitive answer on that. Jamie actually has responded really well to his last setback, but I don’t want to put pressure on him. We need to make sure he’s right in the long term.”
Potential return: Unknown
