Chelsea are hopeful of welcoming back three important players ahead of the FA Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley next weekend.
After a frustrating Premier League campaign left Champions League qualification out of reach, Chelsea’s entire focus has now shifted towards the cup final, which offers a final opportunity to salvage silverware from the season.
There was encouragement from the weekend draw at Liverpool, and the possible returns of Pedro Neto, Robert Sánchez and Alejandro Garnacho could provide another major boost.
Robert Sanchez nearing return after concussion checks
Goalkeeper Sánchez missed Chelsea’s trip to Anfield after suffering a clash of heads with Morgan Gibbs-White during the previous match against Nottingham Forest FC.
The Spaniard underwent standard Football Association concussion protocols and monitoring before being cleared to continue his recovery process.
Chelsea are optimistic he will now be available for Wembley.
Having followed Chelsea’s defensive instability throughout the season, Sánchez’s potential return would be important both for organisation and experience in a high-pressure final.
Potential return date: FA Cup final vs Manchester City — 18 May 2026
Pedro Neto and Garnacho targeting Wembley comeback
Neto remains sidelined with a training-ground knock that has already ruled him out against Forest and Liverpool.
Although initially described as a minor issue, Chelsea have taken a cautious approach to avoid aggravating the injury ahead of the final.
Interim manager Calum McFarlane recently admitted there is optimism surrounding both Neto and Garnacho.
“You have to take these things day by day. We’re hoping that they’ll be available, but we don’t know at this moment in time.”
Garnacho is managing a similar issue after also missing recent matches.
Chelsea are expected to gradually reintegrate both players into training this week before making final decisions closer to the game.
| Player | Injury | Potential Return |
|---|---|---|
| Robert Sánchez | Head injury | 18 May vs Man City |
| Pedro Neto | Knock | 18 May vs Man City |
| Alejandro Garnacho | Knock | 18 May vs Man City |
| Jesse Derry | Head injury | Unknown |
| Estevao | Hamstring | Unknown |
| Jamie Gittens | Hamstring | Unknown |
Source: club updates and manager comments – 10 May 2026
Concern remains over Derry, Estevao and Gittens
There is less positive news elsewhere in Chelsea’s squad.
Teenager Jesse Derry has been ruled out for the remainder of the season following a serious collision on his Premier League debut.
McFarlane recently confirmed early signs in his recovery have been positive, although no return timeframe has yet been established.
Meanwhile, Brazilian forward Estevao will miss the rest of the campaign after suffering a hamstring injury against Manchester United.
The setback also raises doubts over his participation in this summer’s World Cup.
Chelsea are also continuing to monitor Jamie Gittens, whose recovery from a hamstring problem has suffered repeated delays following a setback in rehabilitation.
Former manager Liam Rosenior recently admitted there is still uncertainty over whether the winger will feature again before next season.
What’s next?
Chelsea’s medical staff now face a crucial week ahead of the FA Cup final, with Neto, Garnacho and Sánchez all racing towards fitness.
For McFarlane, getting key attacking players back could dramatically change Chelsea’s threat level against Manchester City at Wembley.
However, much will depend on how the trio respond once full training intensity increases later this week.
Can Chelsea’s returning stars help rescue their season with FA Cup glory?
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