Regardless of Leicester City’s achievements – phenomenal as they are – the extent of this madcap season could be summed up just as neatly by Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with West Ham.
West Ham left the pitch angry that their Champions League hopes had been dented by the dubious award of a penalty. While Champions Chelsea celebrated earned plaudits for the fighting spirit that rescued a point. Their sixth draw in seven home matches.
Chelsea have now conceded in their last nine consecutive matches at the Bridge (14 in total). Winning just one of their 12 home matches’ against teams outside the bottom four.
On the upside, John Terry was back in the heart of the defence and Cesc Fabregas looked something like his best. The Spaniards brace of set-piece goals was his first since 2009 and he had more touches than any other player.
With nothing to play for but pride and contracts, Chelsea will need to show this kind of appetite for the remainder of the season.
Striker return
Radamel Falcao has spoken about his injury and his comeback for the final part of the season.
‘It was decided never to make mistakes or rush and to heal completely,’ he said. ‘So I took the time and the necessary steps to recover the muscle 100 per cent. I’m fine, I feel very good and on par with the team.’
‘Physically Falcao has recovered,’ says Guus Hiddink. ‘Now he has to regain his fitness. He may be ready after the international break.’
Costa rested
The absence of Diego Costa from Spain’s upcoming internationals sent the rumour mill into overdrive. National team boss Vicente del Bosque has questioned his striker’s temperament previously and following his first sending off in English football against Everton many believed Costa was being singled out again. However, Del Bosque was quick to explain his omission from the games against Italy and Romania: ‘If Costa was 100% fit he would have been picked.’
Hiddink confirmed Costa has been managing a minor hip and hamstring problem for the past few weeks and the decision had been taken to rest him.
Hip injury forces Hazard out
While Chelsea have been reluctant to put an exact timescale on Eden Hazard’s recovery from a hip tendon strain, Belgium boss Marc Wilmots expects his talismanic playmaker to miss up-to a month:
‘I have told Hazard to have some rest,’ he said. ‘We are not too worried about him. He has a muscle injury. He’ll be out for three to four weeks.’
Radamel Falcao
Injury: Thigh strain
Estimated return date: Imminent. Lacking fitness.
Diego Costa
Injury: Hip Injury.
Estimated return date: After the international break.
Eden Hazard
Injury: Hip Tendon Strain.
Estimated return date: Between 3-4 weeks.
Kenedy
Injury: Head Injury.
Estimated return date: Next game.
Kurt Zouma
Injury: Knee surgery.
Estimated return date: Minimum six months.
