Calum McFarlane gave an update on injuries ahead of Chelsea’s match against Nottingham Forest. There’s a chance the Blues will get some big names back in the squad for Monday’s game at Stamford Bridge.

On Friday, speaking from Cobham, McFarlane shared that Reece James is finally back training with the team. James hurt his hamstring in March and missed the last seven games, but now he’s moving closer to a return.

McFarlane also said Levi Colwill is “looking good". Colwill got his first game back last weekend with an impressive showing for Chelsea’s Under-21s after his own long stint out. He’d been sidelined since the start of pre-season with an ACL injury and helped Harry Hudson’s side grab a 1-0 win over Middlesbrough in the Premier League 2 play-offs.

“Reece is back in training and Levi too, both looking good,” McFarlane said. “There’s still a little time until the game, so we’ll see how they do, but it’s promising. We’re just taking it day by day. Levi’s been out a while, and Reece had a solid run before getting hurt again, so we don’t want to rush things.”

Even though he hasn’t played for six weeks, James remains an important leader for Chelsea. “Reece has been brilliant since I stepped up in January,” McFarlane said. “He’s taken on a different role while he’s been injured. Even though he’s young, he’s got good experience and a winning background. He’s been a massive part of the leadership group and a huge help to the staff and me.”

McFarlane started his second run as interim head coach with a win over Leeds United in the FA Cup semi-final, a much-needed victory after a tough run. Before that, Chelsea hadn’t won for almost a month, their last big result being a 7-0 win against Port Vale.

“When you’re not getting results, it’s tough,” McFarlane said. “A win changes the mood and lifts the team right away.”

Chelsea slipped back in the Champions League race while Liam Rosenior was in charge, falling ten points behind the competition. Asked if a top-five finish is still possible, McFarlane admitted, “You’re right to question it. We just have to focus on winning our games and not worry about anything else.” As for priorities for the rest of the season, he said, “It’s all about getting the next training session and the next game right, taking it one day at a time and making sure we’re ready at the top level.”

He was also asked whether any under-21 players might get promoted soon. “There’s loads of young talent here at Cobham,” McFarlane said. “I know them well; they train with us all the time. They’ve got a big game tonight; I’ll be there watching, and there’s definitely some in that group who can make the jump up.”

Enzo Fernandez’s future at Chelsea has been under the microscope ever since he took a quick trip to Madrid and ended up in a viral video greeting Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham at the Madrid Open. As usual, speculation went wild. People wondered if Enzo was angling for a move or just enjoying some downtime.

But Javier Pastore, once a PSG star, now Enzo’s agent, wanted to set the record straight. He shot down the rumours that his client is agitating for a transfer. Enzo was in Madrid with Chelsea teammates Marc Cucurella and Joao Pedro, nothing more. The buzz online only got louder because not long ago, Chelsea disciplined Enzo for what the club called “unprofessional behaviour",Pedro; and fans started reading into everything.

Talking with Spanish outlet AS, Pastore cleared the air. “Everyone’s talking, but honestly, there’s nothing up. He’s focused on finishing the season strong at Chelsea,” he said. Pastore admitted Enzo made a few comments about Madrid but insists there’s nothing weird about it; he just likes the city.

Pastore stressed that these Madrid visits are personal, not business. “Whenever he’s got a day off, he heads to Madrid. I’m there; he’s got friends there; that’s all it is. Nothing more.” As for Enzo’s commitment, Pastore said the midfielder wants to finish the season, play a strong World Cup, and then see what comes next. The door isn’t shut, but for now, it’s all about Chelsea and preparing for the FA Cup final.

Enzo’s role at Chelsea has changed a lot under different managers. That’s part of what makes him valuable, Pastore pointed out. The agent explained, “He’s played all over further forward under Enzo Maresca, holding midfield under Liam Rosenior, and as a more attacking ‘number eight’ for Argentina." He racks up assists and goals, so it makes sense coaches see him as more attacking. But he can fit in defensively too.”

Still, even though Pastore says there’s no drama, the summer could get interesting. Reports suggest Chelsea are open to big offers for Fernandez, especially given the club’s record £106.8 million investment in him. With a contract that runs until 2032, he won’t be leaving unless someone pays big.

In the meantime, Enzo keeps showing why Chelsea paid so much in the first place. After his winning goal against Leeds in the FA Cup semi-final, interim boss Calum McFarlane praised his grit. “When tactics went out the window and Leeds were pressing us, he’s just a fighter. He runs, competes, tackles, and lifts the team; sometimes that’s all you need,” McFarlane said. That spirit, not just talent, has kept Enzo at the heart of Chelsea’s plans at least for now.