Man United vs Southampton preview: Bruno Fernandes, Pogba likely to start as Fred still missing from squad
Football3 Key Chelsea Stars Major Doubts for Tough Premier League Clash with Crystal Palace
- Thomas Tuchel could be without three important players when Chelsea travel to Selhurst Park to battle Crystal Palace
- Mount, Loftus-Cheek, and Reece James are doubts ahead of the trip as they battle to regain fitness after picking injuries in recent days
- The Blues head into the clash off a fantastic week that saw them win the FIFA Club World Cup for the first time in their history
Three key Chelsea stars are likely to miss the side's Premier League meeting with Crystal Palace on Saturday, February 18.
The Blues are due to return to action against the Eagles fresh from their FIFA Club World Cup campaign in Abu Dhabi where they were crowned world champions.
Thomas Tuchel led his charges to yet another cup final win, stunning South America champions, Palmeiras, to win 2-1 after extra-time.
However, there will be little time for Tuchel and his men to rest with a trip to Selhurst Park to face Palace on the cards.
The Blues will be hoping to use the clash to revive their slim hopes of catching up with league leaders, Man City.
Mason Mount, Loftus-Cheek, and Reece James sidelined
The trio of Mason Mount, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Reece James is unlikely to play any role in the clash with the three Chelsea stars currently nursing injuries.
Mount was a doubt for the Club World Cup after he picked a slight knock against Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup, but managed to return on the final - only to be replaced before the break with an ankle problem.
Loftus-Cheek equally suffered an injury blow against Plymouth Argyle and had been ruled out for a few weeks.
However, he has since returned to training in a major boost for Tuchel but remains to be seen if he will feature against Palace.
James, meanwhile, is pushing to regain full fitness after being sidelined for weeks with an injury that also kept him out of action during the Club World Cup.
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FootballThierry Henry rates Arsenal's top-four chances
Earlier, Sports Brief reported Thierry Henry believes Arsenal are in the driving seat in the race to secure a top-four finish at the end of the season.
The Gunners are among five teams eyeing the final Champions League spot, with Man City, Liverpool, and Chelsea in line to seal the top three slots.
Mikel Arteta's charges are currently placed sixth on the log with 39 points, four off a Champions League spot.