Chelsea round-up: Ivanovic fit for Stoke City, Blues ready to sign Grujic
Chelsea’s season may have gone disastrously so far, but the Blues will be looking for back-to-back wins this weekend at Stoke, after beating Dynamo Kyiv 2-1.
With the win over Kyiv raising the spirits during the week, Jose Mourinho will be hoping his troops can continue their semblance of form at the Britannia Stadium – without himself though, as Mourinho serves a one-game stadium ban.
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With plenty of team and transfer news to discuss, here is a round-up of everything from Stamford Bridge heading into the weekend.
Chelsea are believed to have looked into the signing of New York Red Bulls youngster Matt Miazga. Miazga, who has also attracted interest from Stoke City and Leicester City in the past, is reportedly interested in a move to the Premier League and his comparisons to Jaap Stam has prompted Jose Mourinho to assess a potential switch for the 20-year-old defender, who dreams of playing at the “highest level”. Miazga has won 52/89 tackles in the MLS this season. (Metro)
Matt Miazga has won 106/161 tackles in the MLS this season.
Mourinho has confirmed that Branislav Ivanovic has returned to training and is fit for the clash with Stoke City on Saturday. The Serbian has missed the last three league games due to an injury sustained on international duty last month. However, whilst Mourinho has revealed the 31-year-old is back and raring to go, there is some bad news for Blues fans: Radamel Falcao and Thibaut Courtois are still out with their respective injuries. Ivanovic has won 14/37 tackles in the league this season. (Chelsea’s Twitter page)
Jose reports Falcao and Courtois are injured, and Ivanovic is fit to play. #CFC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) November 6, 2015
Chelsea have made an approach for Red Star Belgrade youngster Marko Grujic, as Mourinho looks to beat Manchester United to the signing of the 19-year-old. The no.8 midfielder, who helped Serbia win the U20 World Cup earlier this year, is currently the subject of a £3 million bid from Chelsea, reports suggest. Chelsea have averaged a 43% shot accuracy in the league this season. (Daily Express)
Chelsea have won 186/441 tackles in the league this season.
Monaco are set to make a bid for promising Chelsea midfielder Charly Musonda. The 19-year-old joined Chelsea in 2012 from Anderlecht, but has struggled to break into the first team and Ligue 1 giants Monaco are now contemplating a move for the fleet-footed starlet. Chelsea have created 118 chances in the league this season. (Daily Mail)
