These stories are samples pulled from external media sources. They do not represent the views or position of Chelsea Football Club.

Alonso moves to top of power ranking

Marcos Alonso’s fine recent form has seen the Chelsea left-back rise to the top of Sky Sports’ player power ranking this week.

The power ranking measures the current form of players at Premier League clubs and the Spaniard’s two-goal performance in our 2-2 draw at Bournemouth, which followed another scoring performance in our 2-1 derby win over Tottenham, saw him move up to pole position on the ranking.

Alonso was awarded 8,755 points in the ranking, which puts him more than 400 points ahead of second-placed Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United, with Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope a further 1,500 points further back in third.

Harry Maguire of Manchester is in fourth place while Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is fifth.

Ancelotti to escape touchline ban

According to TalkSport, Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti should be available for the Toffees’ visit to Stamford Bridge this weekend despite being charged with misconduct for the red card he received in the 1-1 draw against Manchester United in the Premier League last weekend.

The ex-Chelsea boss was angered when his side were denied three points after a stoppage-time strike by Dominic Calvert-Lewin was ruled out for offside by VAR. The Italian took his protests too far after the final whistle and was shown a red card by referee Chris Kavanagh.

‘He has now been hit with an FA charge, but it is believed he will only be fined and will not be given a touchline ban if he accepts the charge,’ states the report.

‘This will mean he will be able to give instructions to his side for the visit to his former club Chelsea.’

A statement from the FA on Monday said: ‘Carlo Ancelotti has been charged with misconduct for a breach of FA Rule E3.

‘It is alleged that the Everton manager’s language and/or behaviour on the field of play at the end of the Premier League fixture against Manchester United on Sunday March 1 2020 amounts to improper conduct.

‘He has until Thursday March 5 2020 to provide a response.’

Barca drop interest in Willian

According to the Daily Mail, Barcelona are no longer interested in signing Willian this summer but Atletico Madrid could be stepping up their interest in the Brazilian.

Barca have had a long-standing interest in Willian and have reportedly had bids for the winger rejected by Chelsea in previous transfer windows.

The 32-year-old could become a free agent at the end of the season if he does not sign a new contract with the Blues but a report in Spain indicates the La Liga giants will not be pursuing their interest in him.

‘According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona have now decided against snapping him up on a free transfer,’ states the Mail.

‘While they view him as a good opportunity for the summer, the fact Willian will turn 33 in August counts against him.

‘There is also a plan to bring Neymar in and a concern that his arrival would slow down the development of youngster Ansu Fati.

‘Atletico Madrid have, however, expressed an interest in signing Willian. Lokomotiv Moscow are also keen but that does not currently appeal to Willian.’