Chelsea
Tyrique George Seeks Transfer Amidst Chelsea’s Increasing Squad Competition
Tyrique George aims to leave Chelsea this summer to secure consistent playing time amid tough competition.
Chelsea’s young midfielder Tyrique George is reportedly eager to leave Stamford Bridge this summer as he faces stiff competition for playing time following recent squad additions. Despite his contributions to Chelsea’s successful campaign last season, which included victories in the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup, George is pushing for a transfer to secure more consistent minutes on the pitch, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Interest in George has emerged from Bundesliga teams RB Leipzig and Borussia Mönchengladbach. Negotiations are underway to determine whether a loan or a permanent move will materialize, although Chelsea’s preference remains to retain the player. The club, however, is open to facilitating a move if it aligns with George’s aspirations for regular first-team action.
As a promising talent developed through Chelsea’s academy since 2014, George broke into the senior team during the 2024–25 season. He debuted on August 29, 2024, in a UEFA Conference League playoff match against Servette and soon made an impact by scoring in the quarterfinal against Legia Warsaw. His first Premier League goal followed shortly after, contributing to a 2–1 win against Fulham at Craven Cottage. Over that season, he clocked eight league appearances.
George also featured in the FIFA Club World Cup group stage but did not play in the knockout rounds, although he collected winner’s medals from both tournaments. As Chelsea looks ahead to a Champions League campaign under manager Enzo Maresca, reliance on proven players could limit opportunities for emerging talents like George.
Currently under contract until 2027, George’s desire for more game time has prompted talks about his future, highlighting the challenges young players face in breaking through at top clubs.
Chelsea
Talbi’s 93rd-Minute Strike Ends Chelsea’s Winning Run
Talbi’s 93rd-minute finish condemned Chelsea to a 2-1 loss, halting a four-game winning streak. Final
Chelsea’s four-match winning run ended in painful fashion at Stamford Bridge as Sunderland snatched a 2-1 victory with a stoppage-time winner. Chemsdine Talbi stroked home in the 93rd minute after Brian Brobbey held the ball up and teed up the Moroccan on the edge of the area, leaving Robert Sánchez beaten.
Alejandro Garnacho had put Chelsea ahead inside four minutes, squeezing a finish past Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs after a swift counter. The lead lasted only until the first half when Wilson Isidor converted amid chaos from a long throw and a deflected effort by Bertrand Traoré. That equaliser altered the tone of the match and set up a frantic finale.
The result leaves Chelsea down in seventh, while Sunderland leapfrogged to second in the table. Chelsea dominated possession and passing statistics but could not convert control into a decisive second goal. The match statistics show Chelsea with 71% possession to Sunderland’s 29%, expected goals of 0.55 to 0.92, and four shots on target to Sunderland’s three.
Individual performances were mixed. Robert Sánchez was judged 6.1, described as uncertain with the ball at his feet but relatively assured with his hands. Reece James produced the most creativity on the right and earned 7.5. Trevoh Chalobah struggled at times and was rated 6.6, while Josh Acheampong received 7.1 for several vital interventions. Marc Cucurella (6.7) pushed high from left-back. In midfield Enzo Fernández was 7.1 and Moisés Caicedo 6.6. Pedro Neto (7.4) and Alejandro Garnacho (7.2) provided the primary attacking impetus, João Pedro was 6.2 and Marc Guiu was 5.9.
Estêvão (58’) was 6.2, Jamie Gittens (76’) 6.2 and Tosin Adarabioyo (76’) 6.4. Andrey Santos and Tyrique George were introduced later, with no rating given. Subs not used included Filip Jörgensen, Jorrel Hato, Wesley Fofana and Roméo Lavia.
Chelsea created big chances and controlled the ball, but Sunderland’s resilience and a late counter finished the day for the Blues.
Chelsea
Preview: Chelsea v Sunderland — injuries, form and predicted XIs
Chelsea aim to extend their winning run as in-form Sunderland visit with injuries shaping teams play
Chelsea host Sunderland on Saturday with momentum behind the home side and questions around availability across both squads. Chelsea arrive on a winning run that has lifted them to fifth in the table; they could finish the weekend as high as second only if a series of unlikely results fall their way. The Blues are still searching for a first league victory over Sunderland since their last meeting in 2017.
Sunderland have made an encouraging start to life back in the top flight. The newly promoted side sit level on points with Chelsea and have been beaten only twice in the Premier League, both defeats coming away from home. Their away numbers are notable: just one goal in four league trips so far.
Injuries and suspensions will shape selection. Cole Palmer is absent with a return pencilled in for after the November international break. Levi Colwill and Liam Delap are long-term absentees. Benoît Badiashile will be missing until December after suffering another injury setback before the October international period, joining Dário Essugo in the treatment room. Mykhailo Mudryk is serving a provisional suspension after failing a drugs test. Malo Gusto is suspended following a late red card at the City Ground. João Pedro served a one-match European ban midweek but is available for the weekend.
Enzo Maresca rotated his squad for the midweek Ajax tie, resting Robert Sánchez, Marc Cucurella, Reece James and Pedro Neto.
Régis Le Bris is expected to make few changes after the win over Wolves but will be without Omar Alderete due to concussion. Habib Diarra, Dennis Cirkin, Romaine Mundle, Leo Hjelde and Aji Alese remain in the treatment room. Reinildo returns from a three-match suspension.
Goalkeeper Robin Roefs has been a key signing for Sunderland since last summer, while Wilson Isidor will lead the line. Bertrand Traoré might be omitted after a subdued display against Wolves.
Chelsea predicted lineup vs. Sunderland (4-2-3-1): Sánchez; James, Acheampong, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Lavia; Neto, Fernández, Garnacho; Pedro.
Sunderland predicted lineup vs. Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Roefs; Hume, Ballard, Mukiele, Reinildo; Xhaka, Sadiki; Adingra, Rigg, Le Fée; Isidor.
Broadcast: United Kingdom not televised (audio on BBC Radio 5 Live & talkSPORT); United States Peacock and Amazon Prime Video; Canada DAZN, fuboTV and Amazon Prime Video; Mexico Max Mexico, Amazon Prime Video, TNT Sports and TNT Go.
Carabao Cup
Maresca sets Delap return target as Chelsea prepare for cup tie
Delap back in training and likely available for the next match, says Maresca ahead of cup tie. Soon.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed striker Liam Delap is back in training and could return to competitive action before the end of the month. Maresca made clear that Saturday’s visit from Sunderland remains too soon, but he suggested Wednesday’s Carabao Cup fourth-round meeting with Wolverhampton Wanderers could be a sensible target.
“Liam took part in the session yesterday with the team for the first time, so he’s not going to be available for tomorrow’s game, but probably for the next match,” Maresca explained. “He can be available.”
Delap’s imminent comeback would arrive at an important moment. Chelsea have struggled in front of goal in his absence, and João Pedro, another summer signing, has been required to tweak his role to help cover for the Englishman. That adjustment has coincided with a drop in his output.
Pedro should be well rested for Saturday after being forced to sit out the 5–1 win over Ajax through suspension. Chelsea had no trouble finding the net against the Dutch visitors, and one of the game’s standout moments came when captain Enzo Fernández passed to Estêvão so the young Brazilian could take the penalty his quick feet had won. Estêvão converted from 12 yards.
“It’s very, very good,” Maresca reflected. “I told the players after the game that for sure we were very happy about the winning, about the three points against Ajax.
“But the main thing about that game was Enzo, when he gave the ball to Estêvão we got to show how is the team in this moment, how they are all together in terms of togetherness, in terms of effort and this is what we need if we want to try to do something important.”
With Delap training again, Maresca has options to restore a striker who could relieve pressure on attacking teammates and provide fresh competition as Chelsea look to maintain momentum in cup and league fixtures.
