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\nStamford Bridge Waits on Defensive Boost
\nChelsea approach Monday\u2019s meeting with Nottingham Forest with the possibility of two significant returns sharpening the mood around Stamford Bridge. Reece James and Levi Colwill are both pushing to be involved, with a final decision expected close to kick-off.
\nAfter being given three days off following last weekend\u2019s FA Cup semi-final win against Leeds, Chelsea\u2019s squad has returned to first-team training. James and Colwill have joined the group, offering interim head coach McFarlane timely encouragement before facing an in-form Nottingham Forest side.
\nColwill\u2019s situation carries particular weight. The defender has yet to play a senior minute this season after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury in Chelsea\u2019s first pre-season training session. James, meanwhile, had been fit throughout the campaign before suffering a hamstring injury in March\u2019s home defeat to Newcastle, leaving him sidelined for six weeks.
\nMcFarlane Keeps Selection Door Open
\nMcFarlane said the pair could \u201cpotentially\u201d be in the squad for Monday\u2019s game at Stamford Bridge. \u201cReece is back in training, Levi is back in training \u2013 both looking good,\u201d he said. \u201cWe\u2019ve got a little way away from the game [on Monday], so both are looking good. We\u2019ll see how it goes.\u201d<\/p>\n
Asked whether one was ahead of the other, he said: \u201cNot really. We\u2019re taking it day by day. Reece had a really good run and got injured but is looking good.\u201d
\nChelsea Choices Against Nottingham Forest
\nChelsea are expected to go strong against Nottingham Forest, with McFarlane weighing up several key calls. Malo Gusto may drop to the bench if James is fit enough to start, while the attacking structure remains intriguing.
\nCole Palmer could be used from the right, although Pedro Neto may continue there, allowing Palmer to operate centrally. In midfield, Romeo Lavia could partner Moises Caicedo, though Andrey Santos remains another option alongside the Ecuadorian.
\nPredicted Chelsea XI and Match Details
\nChelsea predicted XI, 4-2-3-1: Sanchez; Gusto, Tosin, Chalobah, Cucurella; Lavia, Caicedo; Palmer, Fernandez, Neto; Joao Pedro.
\nInjured: Estevao, Jorgensen, Gittens.
\nChelsea vs Nottingham Forest takes place at 3pm BST on Monday May 4, 2026.<\/p>\n