Our penultimate away trip of the season, as we approach the final week of our Premier League campaign, sees us travelling to Nottingham Forest for a 5.30pm kick-off on Saturday.

Before boarding the coach for Nottingham, the Blues were out on the training pitch to put the final preparations in place ahead of taking on Forest in a match which could have a serious bearing on our chances of qualifying for European competition, as well as the home side's fight to avoid relegation and secure their top-flight status for another year.

Shortly before the players made their way out onto the grass at Cobham, Mauricio Pochettino confirmed that he is getting closer to having a full squad available to him for the first time this season, with Reece James and Lesley Ugochukwu the latest players to return to team training following injury.

‘We need to assess some players that can maybe be involved in the game,' said Pochettino. 'I am happy because while we are going to be in the last week of the season, nearly all the players will be fit and available.'

Pochettino is especially eager to welcome skipper James back into the fold, and hinted there is a chance that could happen as soon as tomorrow's game at the City Ground.

‘We need to see but maybe he can be available to be in the squad. The most important thing is he will be there with us and having your captain is a massive boost for any team. We have an amazing relationship and he is an amazing player.

'It’s not always easy when you come from a long time injured, and the most important thing is he can be available and part of the squad. Then if he can play five, 10, 15 or 20 minutes, or half-an-hour, it would be amazing.'

One player who is almost certain to be involved is Cole Palmer, who continues his battle with Erling Haaland for the Premier League's Golden Boot, having netted his 21st league goal of the campaign last time out against West Ham.

‘What he has achieved is massive,' continued Pochettino. 'For me, he is a winner even if in the end he doesn’t take the trophy. The level he has reached is amazing for us, the club, his team-mates and for himself. We will see what happens but the season he is doing is fantastic.’

Pochettino and the rest of his squad will certainly be hoping Palmer can continue his impressive scoring form in these last three games of the season as we look to boost our chances of securing European football for 2024/25, starting with a victory at Forest on Saturday.

‘To achieve something like this is important for every single club,' added our head coach. 'It is an objective that is there. It’s true it is going to be hard to get, but the most important thing is to repeat our performance of the last few weeks against Nottingham Forest and not think too much.

'It’s about repeating, approaching the game being focused, and we know very well that if we win the last three games we will have the possibility to be in a place that will allow us to play in Europe next season.’