Chelsea have been handed a boost in regards to the Premier League fixture congestion, with it set to be announced that the festive calendar will only include three fixtures.
The Blues struggled during December last season, sitting top of the Premier League the month before before falling in the title race during the festivities.
Thomas Tuchel’s side dropped nine points across seven matches in the league during December in the 2021/22 season, with Blues fans labelling a yearly ‘December curse’.
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The month began with a 2-1 victory away at Watford before the Blues fell to a 3-2 defeat at West Ham just three days later.
The festive fixtures saw Chelsea play on Boxing Day, a 3-1 victory at Villa Park before dropping points at home to Brighton and Hove Albion just three days later.
They then faced Liverpool, going two goals down at home on the second day of January, coming back to share the points.
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It has now been revealed by the Telegraph that The Premier League will announce on Thursday that its festive calendar for the 2022/23 season will now only include Boxing Day, New Year's Eve and January 2.
The normal December 28 fixtures will have been moved to ease player burnout after the World Cup.
Chelsea have several players travelling to the World Cup, with N’Golo Kante looking to help Champions France retain their crown in Qatar.
England will be looking to provide competition, with Mason Mount, Reece James, Conor Gallagher and Ben Chilwell, among other potential includes, hoping to make their mark.
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Timo Werner and Kai Havertz’s Germany will also be travelling, along with several other Chelsea teammates for the tournament in November.
The players will return to action for their clubs soon after the tournament concludes, getting a much-needed break in the summer.
The Blues will be hoping to be in a good position in the Premier League before their stars head to Qatar, as they sat top of the table ahead of both Manchester City and Liverpool last season at the start of November.
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With fewer fixtures in December, as the match between Boxing Day and the New Year has been removed, the Blues will hope that their ‘December curse’ is no more.
But first, Chelsea must make additions to their squad in the summer transfer window to be best positioned when it comes to mounting a title challenge against Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp’s men next season.
Topics: Chelsea, Premier League, Football World Cup, Football
Nick Emms