Medical expert issues ‘100 per cent’ Cesar Azpilicueta claim
Cesar Azpilicueta’s future at Chelsea has been thrown into major doubt – but he is fit to play the club’s forthcoming matches.
That is the view of injury expert Ben Dinnery, who runs the Premier Injuries site and has a background in medicine and data analysis.
Azpilicueta, whose deal expires in June, was forced off with an unspecified injury in the League Cup final defeat to Liverpool on 27 February.
Chelsea confirmed on Monday (7 March) that the skipper had returned to full team training and he started Thursday night’s 3-1 Premier League win over Norwich City.
Per The Sun today, Azpilicueta will exit Chelsea this summer as sanctions on Roman Abramovich prevent the club from negotiating new contracts.
The sanctions on the Vladimir Putin-linked owner, which are a direct result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, were confirmed by the Government on Thursday.
Dinnery expects the 32-year-old to be available for the forthcoming matches amid a backdrop of major uncertainty at Chelsea.
“I fully expect him to be available,” he told Football Insider’s Adam Williams.
“Tuchel has the luxury of a full squad. Ben Chilwell was the only player who didn’t train.
“A return to full training is a major indication that, provided there are no other setbacks, he should be available.
“Whether he will stay into the starting XI given the performances of Reece James, I’m not so sure. But the matchday squad? Yes, 100 per cent.”
Azpilicueta, who has racked up over a decade of service for Chelsea, is a reported target for Barcelona.
The defender has scored once and supplied three assists in 32 appearances this season.
In other news, ex-Fifa official demands major VAR change as controversial Chelsea footage analysed.