Chelsea Lose Three Players Before Tottenham Clash — Football Tonight

Chelsea went into football tonight against Tottenham without Joao Pedro, Levi Colwill and Malo Gusto, leaving three players out of the squad before kick-off on Wednesday evening. The absences forced changes in a London derby that still carried Champions League implications if Chelsea can finish the week with results going their way.

Colwill Managed After Return

Colwill had made only two starts and three appearances since returning from a serious knee injury at the beginning of the month. Chelsea left him out for load management, with the club taking a careful approach to his staggered return so he does not suffer another injury.

That made his omission different from the other two. Joao Pedro missed out because of a knock, and Malo Gusto was also sidelined by a knock that kept him out of the squad.

Acheampong, Delap, Santos

The absences opened the door for Josh Acheampong, Liam Delap and Andrey Santos, who made rare league starts against Tottenham. For a Chelsea side still chasing a route into next season’s European competition, that meant the lineup carried more change than usual for a match of this weight.

Chelsea could still qualify for the Champions League if they beat Tottenham and Sunderland on Sunday, but they need plenty of other results to go their way. The alternative paths remain on the table as well, with Europa League or Conference League qualification still possible.

That leaves Colwill’s return as the piece Chelsea are managing most closely. He is back in the team picture, but not at full volume yet, and Wednesday’s omission showed the line between availability and protection is still being drawn one match at a time.