Chelsea face triple fitness worry before Sunderland finale with £60m Joao Pedro being assessed | OneFootball

Chelsea have fitness concerns over Joao Pedro, Reece James and Levi Colwill before their final-day visit to Sunderland.

According to Sunderland Echo, interim boss Calum McFarlane said they will adopt a wait-and-see approach on Pedro after a slight knock kept him out of Tuesday’s 2-1 London derby win over Tottenham.

James was on the bench and Colwill was omitted as the club manage their returns, with Colwill still being assessed after a long-term knee injury.

McFarlane indicated Pedro’s issue is not viewed as serious, yet the quick turnaround from the Manchester City game meant it was not worth the risk. He added that the schedule, including the cup final, also made it too soon for Colwill, while James was held back following his own lay-off.

Chelsea travel to Wearside knowing a win would clinch European football, potentially in the Europa League, though involvement of the trio remains unclear. McFarlane said they are hopeful but will only know more over the next couple of days.

Sunderland must beat Chelsea to keep their European hopes alive, then hope either Brentford drop points at Liverpool or Brighton lose against Manchester United. There is also a route to the Europa League if other results fall the Wearsiders’ way.

Source: Sunderland Echo