Raheem Sterling has returned to training after being sidelined by a bout of food poisoning, boosting Chelsea’s attacking options as they aim to dump Manchester City out of their second cup competition in the space of four days.
Sterling’s former club were knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid on Wednesday and must try to overcome that draining defeat on penalties in time for Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final showdown at Wembley Stadium.
Sterling’s last appearance was as a substitute in the 4-3 victory over Manchester United two weeks ago, a comeback which became a Premier League classic when Cole Palmer scored in the 10th and 11th minutes of stoppage time.
Mail Sport has learned the 29-year-old’s absence has been due to food poisoning, which also led to him suffering from dehydration.
The winger lost weight while battling that illness, with manager Mauricio Pochettino previously saying his player had been ‘vomiting’ due to a ‘virus’, but he has now been reunited with the squad as he looks to regain fitness.
Sterling has been a regular starter and appeared in every round of the FA Cup under Pochettino, who sees his experience as valuable in a squad full of youngsters.
The England international has faced some challenging moments, not least when Chelsea’s fans have taken their frustration out on him, but Sterling is determined to help the club succeed despite their overall struggles amid a campaign impacted by injuries.
Winning the FA Cup, which would guarantee a spot in the Europa League for next season, would be a sure sign that Chelsea are heading in a positive direction under Pochettino.
The 52-year-old Argentine is set to finalise his starting line-up and substitutes’ bench on Friday. That will include deciding whether Palmer should start on the right wing or at No 10, the position from which he tormented Everton in Monday’s 6-0 win. Mykhailo Mudryk started on the left wing in that victory with Sterling still sidelined.
Chelsea have already drawn twice with City this season and will hope their European exertions have impacted them ahead of this trip to Wembley.
Part of Pochettino’s preparations for this semi-final could involve him laying on a session he has used previously by setting up a 10 versus 11 match in training.
The team with the full complement are tasked with lining up in the shape of their opponents – in this case City – while the side with one man less have to show a willingness to be brave on the ball and press in packs when they do not have it.
