Maurizio Sarri’s job potentially rests on Chelsea’s Europa League tie with Malmo with the competition now a priority.
Owner Roman Abramovich wants Champions League qualification and the Blues fear they will not be able to clinch a top-four spot in the Premier League.
Sarri walked out alongside David luiz for their opening session at Cobham on Wednesday before the squad’s journey to face Malmo on Thursday.
Sarri emerges with Luiz here at a Cobham. Training is now underway. #CFC pic.twitter.com/Y2QNVnVN4y
— Vaishali Bhardwaj (@VaiBhardwaj) February 13, 2019
The Italian is expected to field a strong starting line-up, including Eden Hazard and Callum Hudson-Odoi, as they look to bounce back from their 6-0 loss to Manchester City.
The session started with one-touch passing drills, overseen by Sarri.
Luiz the last Chelsea player to walk out. Sarri also enters, in conversation with his biggest dressing room supporter #cfc pic.twitter.com/5A4u5y3Jjw
— Liam Twomey (@liam_twomey) February 13, 2019
Danny Drinkwater was absent with a minor tendon injury and will miss the trip.
Amid concerns over a lack of leaders in the squad, one of the first players out was Gary Cahill, the club captain who came close to leaving on January.