Chelsea have submitted a formal proposal to the Premier League to increase the maximum number of substitutes permitted on the bench from seven to nine for the remainder of the season.
The proposal will be discussed by the clubs at this Thursday’s shareholders meeting with a vote on the issue to take place the following week on 11 June.
Chelsea’s request to increase the number of substitute options available to managers stems from concerns about the greater risk of injuries following a lengthy break and the prospect of cramming nine matches into a six-week period.
If accepted by the other clubs the proposal would not necessarily lead to an increase in the number of substitutes who can participate in a Premier League game, although that is also being considered after the international rule making body IFAB amended the game’s laws last month to temporarily permit five changes.
Chelsea are among the clubs with most to lose if the Premier League resumes as planned on 17 June, as they are currently fourth in the table and would qualify for next season’s Champions League if the campaign was curtailed.
Frank Lampard’s squad have also experienced considerable disruption during the shutdown. Callum Hudson-Odoi was arrested on suspicion of rape last month, but has since resumed training after being bailed.
N’Golo Kante, meanwhile, was also late to return to training due to concerns for his family regarding the risks of contracting Covid-19.
Kante returned to training last week, but is following an individual programme and is yet to begin working with team-mates so may miss the resumption of the campaign.
Midfield partner Jorginho is suspended from Chelsea’s first game back against Aston Villa on 20 June which may partially explain his club’s request for extra reinforcements.
Source: dailymail
