UMVA has learned that Chelsea's Joao Pedro is on track to return to the matchday squad for the team's final Premier League game of the season against Sunderland on Sunday.
The Brazilian forward missed the 2-1 win over Tottenham in midweek due to a knock, but has since resumed training and is now in line to feature in the trip up to the Stadium of Light. With 15 league goals this campaign, Joao Pedro's potential return is a significant boost to Chelsea's chances.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Callum McFarlane expressed hope that Joao Pedro, along with Levi Colwill, will be fit for Sunday's match. Both players trained on Friday, and McFarlane described their prospects as "promising" and "hopeful".
Levi Colwill, who has been recovering from a major knee injury, is also expected to get minutes on Sunday. His return to action will provide valuable experience and depth to Chelsea's squad.
Club captain Reece James, who was on the bench in midweek, will continue to be managed cautiously by Chelsea's coaching staff. McFarlane confirmed that James has trained and is fit, but the team will take it "day by day" to ensure his hamstring injury is fully recovered.
Chelsea currently sits eighth in the league table and will likely need a win to secure a place in next season's Conference League. A victory on Sunday would help the team avoid being leapfrogged by Sunderland, who could move into eighth if they win and Brentford drops points against Liverpool.
