Chelsea hopeful on Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro for FA Cup semi-final vs Leeds United | OneFootball

Chelsea interim head coach Calum McFarlane says Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro could start Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final against Leeds United after the pair returned to training. A final call will follow their next session. Estevao is out for the season with a hamstring injury.

According to Leeds Live, McFarlane is keeping both under consideration after their return to training. The pair scored in February’s 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge. They missed Tuesday’s defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion with muscle issues, and Pedro also sat out the previous match.

McFarlane previously stepped in during January, overseeing a 1-1 draw with Manchester City and a 2-1 defeat to Fulham after Enzo Maresca was sacked. He was promoted to caretaker on Wednesday for the rest of the season following the sacking of Liam Rosenior.

He kept tactical specifics to himself, saying the side want to control the game, play to the squad’s strengths, be aggressive and attack. He added that his relationship with the players is strong and his methods mirror his earlier interim stint.

He described Leeds against Chelsea as a rivalry but framed Wembley as simply another match. Leeds are unbeaten against Chelsea this season and won 3-1 at Elland Road in December.

McFarlane said preparation centres on Leeds’ strengths and on finding weaknesses to exploit. Despite recent struggles, he maintained there is belief and significant talent within the group.

Source: Leeds Live