CHERRIES could welcome back three players for Sunday’s season finale at Chelsea.

Andoni Iraola’s men round off their Premier League campaign at Stamford Bridge (4pm), still with hopes of clinching a top-half finish.

And the squad is looking in a better place fitness wise, with Romain Faivre (ankle) and Chris Mepham (illness) potentially available to bolster the group, but Luis Sinisterra (hamstring) and Ryan Fredericks (calf) are still ruled out.

Asked for the latest team news ahead of facing the in-form Blues, head coach Iraola said: “It is difficult, because we still have two days until the game.

“But I don’t think it will change a lot from the one we had the other day.

“I think probably we will try with Romain. He was out, it was just the ankle.

“I think he will try to be available.

“Meps is improving also. I don’t know if he will arrive, but I think we are finishing the season in a better place.”

Mepham’s last appearance came against Everton on March 30.

One player definitely returning this weekend is Milos Kerkez, after serving a three-match ban.

“It has been difficult for Milos, because he is very energetic,” said Iraola.

“He always wants to push and train well.

“Three weeks has been a lot for him! He is willing to play, perform well and I think he was playing really well when he got the red card.”

Asked if any thoughts will turn to giving players a chance on Sunday with an eye to next season, Iraola said: “The thinking is mostly on winning games and getting the points.

“This is our focus.

“Obviously you have to also sometimes try things, thinking in the future.

“We have tried different things, different combinations of players.

“But this is smallest part of the decision I would say.

“First, we want to finish strong, put the best team we can.

“But it is true sometimes you think okay I want to play this player with this player this way.

“And probably this is the best moment to try it, yes.”