The Blues will look to put the disappointment of our frustrating defeat to Aston Villa behind us when we welcome Brighton and Hove Albion to the Bridge on Wednesday for a Carabao Cup third round tie.
The work towards that fixture began in earnest today on a glorious morning at our Cobham training ground.
It was a light recovery session for those who started against Villa. For everyone else, including the used substitutes yesterday, it was business as usual with our next matchday just over 48 hours away now.
Armando Broja provided the bright spot against Villa, making his return to competitive action having suffered an ACL injury against the same opponent in December.
‘It was good to see Broja again after nine or 10 months,’ Mauricio Pochettino said after the game.
‘Also I think because it gives us the possibility to have different options, and those possibilities are good for the team. But he needs to build his confidence also.’
Cole Palmer was another who came off the bench yesterday and he put in a bright performance, showcasing plenty of silky touches and an impressive passing range. The attacker will hope to be rewarded with a full debut on Wednesday.
Djordje Petrovic could become our latest debutant against Brighton. The Serbian has been on the bench since arriving from New England Revolution late last month, but will view the Carabao Cup as a chance to step in for our number one Robert Sanchez. Petrovic was at full stretch today!
Deivid Washington was once again named on the bench by Pochettino on Sunday. Fewer than 48 hours earlier, the young Brazilian striker scored his first goal for the club as our Under-21s came from behind to beat Manchester City.
His performance caught the eye of our Under-21s head coach Mark Robinson.
‘Deivid showed a good understanding of what was needed on and off the ball, as well as scoring a good goal,’ said Robinson.
‘So, he should feel very pleased with his performance. I am sure also there is a lot more to come from him as he fully integrates himself into the squad.’
During a well-earned hydration break on a warm day in Surrey, there were smiles for the camera including from Noni Madueke, who was not involved yesterday.
The attacker scored in the previous round win over AFC Wimbledon and a repeat on Wednesday would be welcome.