Chelsea face triple fitness worry before Sunderland finale as £60m Joao Pedro remains a doubt | OneFootball

Chelsea have concerns over Joao Pedro, Reece James and Levi Colwill before their final-day trip to Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

According to Sunderland Echo, interim boss Calum McFarlane said the club will take a wait-and-see approach over Pedro’s fitness. Signed from Brighton last summer for up to £60m, the forward missed Tuesday’s 2-1 win over Tottenham with a minor knock.

McFarlane indicated the issue is not a major concern, but felt it was not worth risking Pedro given the quick turnaround from the Manchester City game.

James was named among the substitutes and Colwill was left out entirely as the latter continues his return from a long-term knee injury. The manager noted the schedule, including the cup final and the nature of the City game, meant they did not want to risk either player.

Chelsea head to Wearside knowing victory would secure European football, potentially in the Europa League, yet involvement for the trio remains unclear. McFarlane said there is time before then and the club are hopeful, but decisions will only become clearer over the next couple of days. Régis Le Bris’ side must beat Chelsea to keep their own European hopes alive, then rely on either Brentford dropping points at Liverpool or Brighton losing to Manchester United, with another route to the Europa League possible if results fall their way.

Source: Sunderland Echo