Chelsea star hands Potter huge boost for Southampton clash after Cobham training involvement

Raheem Sterling is set to return from injury to be in the Chelsea squad to face Southampton on Saturday afternoon in the Premier League.

The 28-year-old picked up a hamstring injury against his former side Manchester City at the start of last month but returned to face Fulham at the beginning of February with a cameo appearance off the bench.

However, Sterling picked up a knock in training in the build-up to their 1-1 draw away to West Ham and he therefore also missed the 1-0 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in midweek as he continued his recovery.

Chelsea have plenty of options in attack despite Sterling and Christian Pulisic’s absences on the flanks, but head coach Graham Potter hinted he could feature against Southampton should his training session on Friday go according to plan.

“It’s positive,” responded Potter to reporters when asked about the availability of Ben Chilwell and Sterling.

“We are going to train later. Providing they come through that okay, good chance they’ll be in squad.”

Sterling did feature in Friday’s session and looks set to be on course to make Saturday’s squad.

Chelsea will be hoping to bounce back from Wednesday’s defeat at the first attempt to extend their unbeaten run in the Premier League to five games (W1, D3).

They host a managerless Southampton side currently bottom of the league. The visitors will be managed by Ruben Selles after sacking Nathan Jones following their 2-1 defeat to Wolves last weekend.

However, Potter isn’t taking their dismal form for granted – with Chelsea also only winning two of their last 13 in the league – after stating form goes out the window.

Potter added: “You’re not sure at all how they’re going to go. Anything can come at you pretty much because they’re a caretaker manager and they’ve had a week to prepare and prepare some ideas.

“What has happened before is no reference, that is the challenge.

“For us, we have to focus on ourselves, what we do well and then prepare and make sure we’re ready for the challenge. There’s a big challenge coming our way.”