Chelsea Fc will face Manchester United after the winter break in a crucial game at Stamford Bridge.
However, Frank Lampard’s side are currently fourth in the table, six points above United, and the Blues will be keen to increase their advantage over the chasing pack.
Despite having relatively few injury problems to contend with ahead of the game, Chelsea do have one key player who is walking a suspension tightrope.
Meanwhile, any player who accumulates ten bookings before the cut-off point of 12 April 2020 will have to serve an automatic two-match ban. This means Jorginho is at risk of suspension if he picks up a yellow card against United, having already been booked nine times this season.
If the Italy international is cautioned against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side, he would then be suspended for Chelsea’s next two league games – against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday 22 February; and Bournemouth the week after.
Losing Jorginho for the clash against Spurs would be a huge blow, given the former Napoli midfielder has started Chelsea’s last seven Premier League games in a row.
Tottenham could also be a point behind the Blues by the time the sides meet, if Chelsea lose to United and Jose Mourinho’s men beat Aston Villa. Lampard will be desperate to have all his players available, especially after Chelsea drew 2-2 with Leicester on Saturday to continue their indifferent form on the road.