With the Diego Costa fiasco seemingly over, at least for now, Chelsea approach Sunday’s game against Hull with a full squad.
This week’s opponents Hull City have already seen a rise in form and performances under new manager Marco Silva, but the high-profile departure of Jake Livermore to West Brom this week has seen Hull’s mammoth task become just that much harder.
Scottish winger Robert Snodgrass poses the greatest danger to an otherwise goal shy team. He’s a doubt for the game having picked up a muscle injury, scoring nine goals in all competitions and providing three assists – including a couple of free kicks, one of Hull’s main threats, in what will probably be a game dominated by Chelsea.
The rest of Silva’s squad is, however, a mismatch of inexperienced youngsters and Championship pedigree starters.
Hull have bolstered their depleted squad over the winter, most recently signing Omar Elabdellaoui on loan from Olympiakos. Silva has also added striker Oumar Niasse from Everton and Brazilian attacking midfielder Evandro. In terms of departures, Hull have let veteran Scottish goalkeeper Allan McGregor join Cardiff on loan.
Chelsea have seen no players come in this January, although Nathan Ake has been recalled from his loan spell at Bournemouth.
Antonio Conte has also managed to negotiate a quite staggering £10 million deal for Patrick Bamford, who despite his goal scoring prowess has no prior Premier League experience.
Along with Snodgrass, midfield duo David Meyler and Shaun Maloney are also doubts for the game, but unlike the majority of their injury stricken squad Meyler, Maloney and Snodgrass may well make a return against the Blues.
But several players are long-term injury concerns, with Alex Bruce, Moses Odubajo, Greg Luer, Brian Lenihan, Will Keane and finally Markus Henriksen all set to be missing from the Tigers’ trip to Stamford Bridge.
Conte has said Costa will be available for the game against Hull despite suffering from a back strain during the chaos of his proposed move to China. Chelsea, therefore, have no injury or suspension worries going into the game.
