Chelsea

Chris Adams
BBC Sport journalist

Chelsea host Manchester United in the Saturday evening kick-off (20:00 BST) in a game that could go a long way to deciding who earns a Champions League place.

Rosenior on the ropes?

The Blues' form has nosedived in recent weeks, with just one win in their last seven Premier League matches, four of which have resulted in defeat.

In fact, both of their most recent wins have come in the FA Cup, against Championship side Wrexham and League One relegation candidates Port Vale.

Add an 8-2 aggregate hammering at the hands of Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain into the mix and head coach Liam Rosenior finds himself under serious scrutiny just three months into the job.

Rosenior acted decisively in banning Enzo Fernandez for two games following comments the Argentina midfielder made in an interview about the possibility of a move to Spain.

Whether the Stamford Bridge faithful agreed with that internal decision or not, one thing that's inescapable is the creative threat Fernandez brings to the table.

Sixth-placed Chelsea have failed to score in their last three league games, a run of 345 minutes without a goal. They haven't gone four top-flight games without finding the net since September 2007 under Jose Mourinho and Avram Grant.

The west London side are looking to arrest a run of three league defeats – only once this century have they lost four games in a row, doing so in April-May 2023 when Frank Lampard was at the helm.

Decisions in defence for Carrick

While he's not struggling to the same extent as his opposite number, Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick suffered the biggest setback of his Old Trafford managerial career in Monday night's 2-1 defeat to Leeds United.

The first half performance, in particular, will be a major worry for Carrick as Lisandro Martinez and Leny Yoro – starting a league game together as a centre-back duo for the first time – struggled to cope with Dominic Calvert-Lewin's physicality and hold-up play.

Martinez was subsequently sent off for violent conduct after tugging Calvert-Lewin's hair, meaning he is likely to miss the next three games of the run-in.

Coupled with the absence of Harry Maguire, who has received an additional one-match ban for swearing at an official following his red card at Bournemouth last month, and the injured Matthijs de Ligt, Carrick finds himself with a defensive headache.

That could mean an untried pairing of Yoro, 20, and Ayden Heaven, 19, not ideal when you consider United have kept just one clean sheet in their last 21 league away matches.

The Red Devils have won just one of their last four matches but remain third in the table as the battle for the Champions League spots reaches its crescendo. Both teams had a different head coach when United took the spoils with a 2-1 win at Old Trafford in September.

Only Bournemouth and Leeds United have drawn more league games than United's 10 this season and this is a fixture that often has little to separate the sides. Chelsea versus Manchester United has ended in a draw more often than any other match-up in Premier League history – some 27 times.

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea co‑owner Behdad Eghbali changed his tone at CAA's World Congress of Sports event in Los Angeles, addressing mistakes made, acknowledging fan anger and admitting changes needed to be made to their recruitment model.

Regret and humility were features of the conference appearance, which sources say had been in place since the autumn and was not a response to Chelsea Supporters' Trust's open letter or the Not A Project FC group.

However, despite Chelsea's form declining and renewed criticism of the BlueCo project, Eghbali made a rare public appearance to address mistakes and the need for change by reiterating that their desire is to "win" as point one, two and three.

• "There is a plan. We reflect on the plan. We try to improve the plan and tweak the plan if it's not working. The message is we're committed. Can this be successful without winning? The answer is no. We've got to win," Eghbali said.

• Winning the Conference League was described as a "nice stepping stone", the Club World Cup win was acknowledged as success in a month-long competition and a "nice milestone and great for the fans and squad" but added we hope to repeat that "more consistently".

• The co-founder of majority owners Clearlake Capital added Enzo Maresca's mid-season departure was unplanned, explaining: "Getting that stability on the manager side is one of the things we haven't done right yet."

• He noted the decision to sack Thomas Tuchel in 2022 "didn't work out so well".

• On current head coach Liam Rosenior's future, he continued: "I think we're behind Liam. Of course, it's a results business, but we think he can be successful long term."

• On their recruitment, which has been questioned by fans and pundits, he admitted: "I think we've done a few things right, a lot of things right. We've got to be better on a few things, to add more ready-made players at this part of the project, to take (it ) to the next level, to be consistent over time. We recognise we need balance. You tweak a model, you improve, you learn from mistakes."

• Adding: "We do have a core (of) good players, global players. Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Levi Colwill, Estevao Willian, Reece James. The view is now that we're here with a great core base, to add some of that experience, to take the team to the next level and have consistency. That fact is not lost on us."

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Enzo Fernandez returns for Chelsea this weekend, but questions remain over his future at the London club.

The Argentina midfielder, 25, gave three interviews while away with his national side, referring to his desire to one day live in Spain's capital, having been heavily linked with Spanish giants Real Madrid.

That led to a two-match internal ban, jointly decided by head coach Liam Rosenior and the club hierarchy. The suspension has now ended, although not before attempts by Fernandez's agent, Javier Pastore, to have it reduced by a game.

Chelsea's attempts to move on from the episode involving their number eight reflect a desire to steady the situation at an early stage.

Fernandez has 12 goals and six assists this season, placing him behind only striker Joao Pedro for goal involvements, in 46 appearances. He remains regarded internally as a marquee player, with Rosenior offering public praise even while enforcing the ban.

It may be a rational short-term approach, but the longer-term solution is more straightforward: money.

Either Chelsea offer Fernandez a new contract or he attempts to force a move.

"He deserves much more than he is currently earning," Pastore said in a lengthy interview with The Athletic during the international break.

Fernandez is among several players seeking improved terms at Stamford Bridge, alongside Levi Colwill and Malo Gusto, with midfielder Moises Caicedo agreeing a lucrative new deal on Thursday.

Chelsea are hopeful of agreeing one or two more deals before the end of the season.

However, with contract talks on hold until the summer, according to Fernandez's entourage, the alternative scenario is more problematic.

Chelsea sources indicate it would take a substantial fee - close to the club record sale that saw Eden Hazard join Real Madrid in 2019 for an initial £88m rising to £130m in add-ons - for any deal to be considered.

That valuation reflects not only Fernandez's importance on the pitch, but also financial necessity.

In Fernandez's case, Chelsea would need to secure a fee of at least £75m–£77.6m - depending on the timing of a sale - to avoid recording a loss, which would further restrict future spending.

With Fernandez's camp having demonstrated a willingness to take an assertive stance, and the backdrop of a World Cup providing further opportunity to shape the narrative, failure to reach a new agreement would represent a growing concern - despite Rosenior's attempts to project confidence.

Read more on Fernandez and Chelsea's finances

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Moises Caicedo says his "dream" is to become a "Chelsea legend" after extending his contract until 2033.

The 24-year-old, signed for in excess of £100m with bonuses in 2023, has already won the Europa Conference League and Club World Cup with the Blues.

His now-confirmed new contract - which BBC Sport reported on Thursday - has added two years to his initial deal.

"I am so happy to have extended my contract at Chelsea," Caicedo said. "I believe in this team, this club and I know we're going in the right direction. We've only just begun together.

"There is still a lot more to achieve, and I'm very hungry to keep improving every day. I want to win more trophies with Chelsea and give everything for this club and for the fans.

"We have enjoyed some great times together already and my dream is to become a Chelsea legend, and I will work as hard as possible to make that happen."

BBC Sport broke news of Caicedo's deal on Thursday and you can read fan reaction a little lower on this page.

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea and Strasbourg, which are both owned by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, have measures in place should they qualify for the same European competition.

According to public documents, board-level changes have been made at the French club, while senior sources have confirmed that a "blind trust" structure – commonly used to meet multi‑club ownership rules in European football – was put in place before Uefa's compliance deadline to ensure the clubs meet regulations.

The Uefa Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) would ultimately decide in the summer whether those changes satisfy its requirements. Under Uefa rules, if a club is excluded from European competition due to non‑compliance, it would be the team that finishes lower in its domestic league.

If Chelsea and Strasbourg were to qualify for the same European competition, the two clubs would also be prevented from conducting transfer business between each other during the 2026‑27 season, having completed 12 deals between them this campaign.

Chelsea's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League have faded following three consecutive Premier League defeats. They currently sit sixth, four points off the top five, and risk ending up in the Europa League next season.

Strasbourg, meanwhile, have three potential routes into the Europa League. The French side could qualify through a top‑five or top‑six Ligue 1 finish, or by winning either the Coupe de France or the Conference League, having reached the semi‑finals of both competitions.

There is also a scenario in which both clubs qualify for the Conference League, while Strasbourg's chances of reaching the Champions League remain mathematically possible but unlikely.

Speaking at CAA's World Congress of Sports event in Los Angeles, Chelsea co‑owner Behdad Eghbali said he believed regulatory reform was needed to allow further investment within multi‑club ownership structures.

"We do think there needs to be more regulatory reform to enable multi‑club ownership," Eghbali was quoted as saying by Sports Business Journal.

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on midfielder Moises Caicedo agreeing a new long-term contract with Chelsea and how important the deal is for the club.

Here are some of your comments:

James: Good that he has signed, but I'm not sure about such long contracts. It looks like a great bit of business on the surface and protects an asset. However, from a financial point of view, how does this sit with other players who want parity? Could this cause a rift?

Carl: Absolutely critical. He's the lynchpin of the team. The new N'Golo Kante.

Emmanuel: Extending Caciedo's contract is good for the team and it commits him to the team long-term, which will fend off other teams. What matters now is for Liam Rosenior to return the team to winning ways, or make way for someone who will return the team to the Abramovich era.

Gary: This is really positive news as our season appears to be falling apart.

Kenny: It will be a very big plus for Chelsea, it will make him committed to the club, warding off other clubs interested in his services.

Steve: Will make very little difference. Chelsea are a selling club. If a big offer came in he would likely be released and replaced with a 17-year-old academy prospect. Rinse, repeat etc, etc.

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea defender Levi Colwill is set to make his return in a behind-closed-doors friendly for the club's Under-21 side on Friday.

The Under-21s are preparing for the play-offs, having finished top of Premier League 2.

Meanwhile, the 23-year-old is unlikely play in Sunday's Premier League game against Manchester United, but he has spent several weeks training fully with the first team as he steps up his recovery from a serious knee injury suffered in August.

Those close to Colwill say the rehabilitation process has been both mentally and physically demanding, marking the first major injury of his career.

There have, however, been positives during his time away from competitive action.

Colwill has worked closely with a restructured medical department and is understood to have enjoyed the new environment under head of performance Bryce Kavanagh, who was involved in a public disagreement with head coach Enzo Maresca in December.

The England international has also focused on his off-field development during his recovery. Colwill has spoken privately about wanting to improve his mentality and has spent time reading self-improvement books, including Atomic Habits by James Clear and Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable by Tim Grover, the latter of which he took with him to the Club World Cup success last summer.

He has since gone on to invest in an online children's reading platform, StoryZoo, describing it as a long-term project.

Head coach Liam Rosenior believes Colwill is likely to return to action before the end of the season, although he is expected to be eased back with limited minutes initially.

Chelsea remain in contention for Champions League qualification through the Premier League, are still competing in the FA Cup and, while considered unlikely, there is also the possibility of Colwill being involved in England's squad for the World Cup finals this summer.

England defender Levi Colwill, 23, is set to follow Ecuadorian team-mate Moises Caicedo, 24, in signing a new long-term contract with Chelsea. (Times - subscription required), external

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Image source, Getty Images

Moises Caicedo has agreed to a lucrative new contract to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge as part of a series of renewals designed to reward Chelsea's top performers.

The timing is notable. Chelsea have endured an inconsistent campaign and face uncertainty over Champions League qualification.

Caicedo is regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world and he has established himself as one of the side's most reliable performers.

Securing him long-term at a time when Chelsea are desperate for squad stability could be a positive move, but the club's policy of handing out lengthy contracts has been criticised before.

Liam Rosenior remains under pressure, but a player of Caicedo's importance committing his future could suggest a belief in the club's direction - and in the head coach himself.

How important is the deal for Chelsea? Is it a show of faith in Rosenior from Caicedo?

Get in touch with your views here

Holly Bacon
BBC Sport journalist

Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge (kick-off 20:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Rosenior said Enzo Fernandez has been training with the group and training well. He added that it's "business as usual" in terms of selection for the game.

• He said Trevoh Chalobah is "very, very close" and has trained, albeit "not quite fully - it was modified training". He said they will make a decision on the defender. Reece James is "a little bit further away", according to the Blues boss.

• He is "hoping" Levi Colwill will be involved before the end of the season and said that he will play some minutes for the Under-21s on Friday.

• On the quest for Champions League football, Rosenior said: "We have to take advantage of this moment. We're running out of time. We need to show that initiative on Saturday evening. We need to play on the front foot and we need to make up those points, which is still definitely possible."

• The Chelsea boss said he wants the team to "push for the first goal" in games and take advantage of their opportunities. "In terms of chance creation we're actually still very good, we just haven't taken those moments. We need to be more clinical. We need to be more ruthless in both boxes and not give up chances from our own doing."

• On turning their form around, he added: "We've had a lot of really strong conversations as a group. We've had some very good training sessions. I think in this moment you find out about yourself, you find out about your group and you have to stay focused on the process which is here, the day in day out."

• Rosenior said United's interim head coach Michael Carrick is someone he "greatly admired" as a player and knows he is "an amazing coach". The Chelsea boss added that he's not surprised at the points return his United counterpart boss has achieved.

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Chelsea Supporters' Trust have written a letter to the ownership, board of directors and senior leadership, external on the "growing lack of confidence among the supporters in the leadership, structure, and strategy that underpin it".

The Trust cites how "supporters have seen no meaningful change" since the findings of the January 2026 survey which highlighted the "deep and sustained" concern of the direction in which the club is going.

They went on to say that these concerns "persist" regardless of league position and club achievements as "the vision remains unclear, its execution inconsistent, and its leadership insufficiently accountable".

In a lengthy letter, the Trust have asked the ownership, board directors and senior leadership to respond to the following four questions:

• Does the club accept that supporter confidence in its current leadership model and direction has fallen to an unacceptably low level?

• What specific changes will now be made to provide greater clarity and accountability in football leadership and decision-making?

• What will change in how supporters are engaged, so that engagement is timely, meaningful and capable of influencing decisions rather than simply explaining them after the fact?

• How does the club intend to demonstrate that its current strategy can deliver sustained sporting success, financial stability, and a recognisable Chelsea identity in a way that rebuilds supporter trust?

The Trust concluded that they "remain willing to engage constructively" with the club and look forward to their response.

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea's Jimmy-Jay Morgan, 20, is being tracked by Swansea, Sheffield United and Preston North End among a host of Championship sides after impressing on loan at Peterborough.

The attacker has spent the season at the League One club, scoring 14 goals in 36 appearances.

He has a year left on his Chelsea deal and a decision on his future is looming in the summer.

Morgan joined Chelsea's academy at the age of eight before moving to Southampton and then returning to Stamford Bridge in 2023.

The Poole-born England youth international has represented his country from Under-16 level through to Under-20.

Chelsea and Newcastle are among the clubs set to battle it out for German defender Karim Coulibaly, 18, after an impressive breakthrough season with Werder Bremen. (Bild - in German, external)

Como's Spanish defender Jacobo Ramon, 21, is attracting interest from a host of clubs including Chelsea and Arsenal. (Teamtalk, external)

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