Roy Hodgson is finally welcoming a number of his players back from Crystal Palace after the season has started with very few players at the back.

Gary Cahill and James Tomkins returned to Ballas’ training this week prior to their visit to Chelsea this weekend, while Patrick Van Anholt also started work after a shoulder injury.

“They are gradually coming back but obviously they have been out for a long time so they are not really ready to go straight back to the team,” Hodgson said.


This week we have seen the resurgence of Gary Cahill, James Tomkins and Patrick Van Anholt. We are limiting the work of communication as much. [Van Aanholt] She is concerned because she has a shoulder injury but it is good to see these players return to training. “

Al-Nisour’s coach turned to midfielder Sheikho Kouiati to fill the defense, as the former West Ham man excelled in the role he could keep despite the return of others around him.

“We are very happy with Sheikho at the center of the defense,” Hodgson said. “He is very comfortable there and gives us a good problem in this position in terms of competition.”

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Crystal Palace expected to face Chelsea (4-4-2): Guaita. Ward, Koyat, Cahill, Mitchell; Townsend, McCarthy, MacArthur, Eze; Zaha, Ayu