CHELSEA RECEIVE HUGE BOOST AS KEY PLAYER RETURNS TRAINING
Chelsea's defensive crisis is easing as Wesley Fofana returns to full training after a concussion. He's set to be available after the international break, with Chalobah and Badiashile also returning.
Enzo Maresca and Robert Sanchez. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)
Even though Wesley Fofana has played in just under half of Chelsea's games this season, his stay at the club has been hampered by many injury setbacks since he moved from Leicester in August 2022.
Before being evaluated for a return to play, the Frenchman had to be out of commission for 12 days in accordance with concussion return regulations.
Since that time has already passed and Fofana was seen practising fully on Tuesday, it appears that he will be ready for selection following the international break.
The Blues' primary defensive injury crisis is abating in time for the Premier League's return, and they take on struggling Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Saturday.
In addition to Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah will return following his one-match suspension, while Benoit Badiashile, who hobbled off during the 2-1 victory over Liverpool, is anticipated to be fine.
Josh Acheampong, who was substituted out in the second half of last weekend's match, appears to be doing well as well, as he has been named in the England U21 team for matches against Andorra and Moldova.
GOAL OF MONTH SHORTLIST INCLUDES WOLTEMADE’S BRILLIANT STRIKE
Newcastle's German star Leon Woltemade is nominated for Premier League Goal of the Month for his superb flick against Brighton. Vote now for the summer signing's improvised Amex finish.
Woltemade receives Goal of the Month nomination - Credit: Getty Images
Earlier this month, the Magpies fell 2-1 against Brighton, but the German international's incredible flick tied the score.
However, the summer acquisition, who has scored six goals for United since joining from Stuttgart in the summer, grabbed attention at the Amex Stadium with a superb improvised finish from Lewis Miley's low cross.
Antoine Semenyo and Justin Kluivert of Bournemouth, Zian Flemming and Loum Tchaouna of Burnley, Chelsea's Moises Caicedo, Aston Villa's Emi Buendia, and Mo Salah of Liverpool are also on the shortlist.
Supporters of the Magpies may cast their votes for Woltemade by visiting here, and voting will begin at 1 pm GMT on Thursday, October 30. The winner will be revealed on Friday, November 7th at 1 pm GMT.
HUGE LISANDRO MARTINEZ UPDATE EMERGES AS UNITED PREPARE FOR FOREST ENCOUNTER
Manchester United receive a major boost as Lisandro Martinez returns to first-team training. The Argentine defender has been out since February with a knee injury and is now closing in on a first-team return.
Martinez injury boost lifts United spirits ahead of Nottingham Forest trip - COURTESY/PHOTO
Lisandro Martinez returns to first-team training, giving Manchester United a significant conditioning boost ahead of their Premier League matchup against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Lisandro Martinez has returned to first-team training for Manchester United, giving them a significant fitness boost ahead of their Premier League matchup against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Due to a serious knee injury sustained during a Premier League match against Crystal Palace, the Argentina international has not played for the 20-time English champions since early February.
However, Martinez has been speeding up his recuperation in recent weeks, and on Wednesday, the former Ajax centre-back was allowed to rejoin his teammates for training.
It is extremely doubtful that Martinez will play for Man United when they travel to Forest on Saturday, but the 27-year-old might return to the team for the match against Tottenham Hotspur on November 9.
Lisandro Martinez of Manchester United resumes training with the first team.
According to Man United head coach Ruben Amorim, "He’s feeling fine," last week. "I do not want to mention a single day or week because the knee is doing so wonderfully.
"I am not sure, but the team's training is about to begin. After that, Licha's rhythm will determine whether he places or not, but he is closer to starting training again.
The Red Devils will not be taking any chances with the Argentine because of the severity of the injury, and his return may be postponed until after the international break in November.
Luke Shaw's place in the starting lineup is now seriously threatened; therefore, Martinez's return is a significant boost for the 20-time English champions. Martinez is an expert in the left-sided role in the back three.
After joining Old Trafford from Ajax in the summer of 2022, the South American has made 91 appearances for the Red Devils, tallying three goals and three assists.