CHELSEA RECEIVE BOOST AS STAR HITS TRAINING BEFORE FOREST GAME
Chelsea's Pedro Neto was spotted in training ahead of the Nottingham Forest clash despite Enzo Maresca ruling him out. The winger's presence with Enzo Fernandez fuels speculation over their late fitness.
Photo Credit: Official Site - Chelsea Football Club
Pedro Neto has been seen performing with Chelsea before their matchup with Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
After missing Thursday's practice at Cobham, Neto, along with crucial midfield duo Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo, have been ruled out for Saturday's trip to the City Ground.
Maresca informed reporters, "Unfortunately, Benoit will be sidelined until December." "A difficulty with the muscles. He was doing incredibly well. We will await his arrival.
Pedro, Enzo, and Moi did not participate in yesterday's session. We will check to see if they plan to train today. They will [be out for Nottingham Forest] otherwise.
Since Maresca's Friday morning update, Chelsea has been keeping things under wraps on social media. A training video shows Neto and Fernandez arriving, but it does not show the two participating in the session.
But before the Forest game, a keen-eyed user on X (previously Twitter) saw Neto in training, and they also noticed Fernandez there.
Before kickoff at 12.30 pm, the Chelsea squad to play Nottingham Forest will be revealed at 11.15 am BST.
With Pep Guardiola's team playing Everton later in the day, a Blues victory would put them ahead of Manchester City in the Premier League standings, albeit possibly for just a few hours.
Chelsea won all three points in the match on the last day of the previous season to secure Champions League qualifying, and they have not suffered a loss at the City Ground since January 1997.
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.