Eva Carneiro has received several indirect messages of support from Chelsea players before her case for constructive dismissal against the club, which starts today. The former Chelsea doctor may attend the preliminary hearing at the London South Employment Tribunal in Croydon, but had not decided last night whether to make an appearance and resolved to sleep on the matter.

Carneiro has no legal reason to attend because today’s private, two-hour session will focus on timetabling and procedural matters, but she may choose to familiarise herself with the court room, the judge and Chelsea’s legal team before the full hearing, which is likely to take place in May or June. Chelsea are defending themselves against Carneiro’s claim that José Mourinho’s description of his senior doctor as