Chelsea face triple fitness concern before Sunderland trip as £60m forward a doubt | OneFootball

Chelsea are managing fitness issues for Joao Pedro, Reece James and Levi Colwill before their final-day visit to Sunderland. According to Sunderland Echo, interim head coach Calum McFarlane will take a wait-and-see approach on Pedro.

Pedro missed Tuesday night’s 2-1 London derby win over Tottenham with a minor knock, leaving his availability for the Stadium of Light uncertain.

James was named among the substitutes and Colwill was left out as the club continue to assess their returns, with Colwill coming back from a long-term knee injury. Pedro joined from Brighton last summer in a deal worth up to £60m.

McFarlane said the quick turnaround from the Manchester City game meant it was not worth risking Pedro. He explained that Colwill is returning from a serious problem and the schedule after the cup final was too quick, while James was managed similarly.

Chelsea head to Wearside knowing victory would clinch European football, potentially in the Europa League. McFarlane said they are hopeful, although decisions on the trio will be made over the next couple of days.

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

Source: Sunderland Echo