Chelsea Injury Boost Ahead of FA Cup Semi-Final as Joao Pedro Returns to Training but Cole Palmer Doubt Remains

Chelsea have been handed a timely boost ahead of their FA Cup semi-final against Leeds United, with Joao Pedro returning to training at Cobham as interim head coach Calum McFarlane prepares his squad for Wembley.

The forward was pictured back on the training pitch on Thursday after missing the last two matches due to a thigh injury. He had been ruled out of the previous weekend’s 1-0 defeat to Manchester United, with the issue described as minor at the time.

Sources close to the club previously indicated that Joao Pedro had been “touch-and-go” for that match but was ultimately not risked. He later watched from the stands as Chelsea were beaten by Brighton in midweek, a result that extended the club’s difficult run of form.

Joao Pedro’s return to training is seen as a positive development for McFarlane, who has taken charge of the team during a turbulent end to the season. The 40-year-old was confirmed in the role earlier this week and will lead the side for the remaining fixtures, starting with Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.

Chelsea’s recent struggles in front of goal have increased the importance of attacking reinforcements. The team have gone five Premier League matches without scoring, a run that has highlighted the absence of key attacking options in recent weeks.

Joao Pedro has been Chelsea’s most productive forward this season, scoring 19 goals in all competitions. His involvement in training comes at a time when the team’s attacking output has dropped significantly, with chances not being converted despite regular possession in games.

While the Brazilian’s return offers encouragement, concerns remain over the availability of other key players. Cole Palmer was not present in the latest training images released by the club, continuing his recovery from a hamstring injury that has kept him out of recent matches.

Palmer missed the squad for the defeat to Brighton on Tuesday night and had already been ruled out of that fixture after being left out of the matchday group. He was also seen watching from the stands during the game, which ended a difficult spell for the team and marked the final appearance of Liam Rosenior in charge before his departure.

The midfielder’s absence remains a significant issue given his influence this season. His creativity and goal contribution have been central to Chelsea’s attacking play, and his continued recovery leaves McFarlane with limited options in advanced areas ahead of a crucial cup tie.

There is also a longer-term concern surrounding Estevao Willian, who is set to miss the remainder of the season after suffering a serious grade four hamstring injury in the defeat to Manchester United. The teenager’s setback is expected to keep him out for an extended period, with his availability for future international duty also in doubt.

McFarlane oversaw training in Surrey on Thursday as preparations intensified for the meeting with Leeds United. The session took place in calm conditions as the squad worked through their final build-up ahead of the semi-final, with attention split between returning players and those still under medical assessment.

The interim head coach will provide a further update on team fitness during his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon, scheduled for 1:30pm UK time. That briefing is expected to clarify the extent of Cole Palmer’s recovery progress and whether Joao Pedro is in line to feature at Wembley.

Chelsea’s squad situation has been shaped heavily by injuries in recent weeks, affecting consistency in both selection and performance. Joao Pedro’s return offers a timely option in attack, but uncertainty around other key players continues to influence preparations for one of the club’s most important fixtures of the season.

The FA Cup semi-final against Leeds United now represents a key opportunity for Chelsea to stabilise their campaign, with McFarlane tasked with managing both fitness concerns and tactical adjustments ahead of the Wembley encounter.