Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino attributes the team’s consistent injury issues to the player profiles as he evaluates his options ahead of the upcoming match against Arsenal on Saturday.
The Blues are gearing up for what could be their toughest challenge this season, with joint table-toppers set to visit Stamford Bridge on the back of an undefeated streak.
Even though Pochettino has never suffered a defeat against the Gunners, he will have to lead his team into the London derby with uncertainties surrounding the fitness of at least seven key first-team players.
Benoit Badiashile and Carney Chukwuemeka are expected to be part of the squad for the match on Sunday, although their fitness will need to be evaluated by the club’s medical team.
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However, Armando Broja, Trevoh Chalobah, Ben Chilwell, Wesley Fofana, Romeo Lavia, and Christopher Nkunku remain unavailable and will not be able to participate in the Arsenal clash.
Captain Reece James has returned to training, but there’s uncertainty about whether he will be risked in the high-profile match. Additionally, Axel Disasi and Nicolas Jackson’s fitness will also require assessment.
Pochettino while speaking to the club’s official website had a different response to the ongoing injury crisis. He said:
“It’s not only bad luck – it’s the profile of players sometimes. We can see when we arrive here. It’s not only bad luck. Too many factors can influence.”
“We try to find the best method and the best platform for the players to be strong and to feel good. It’s only a matter of time. Everything is new in this club.”
Chelsea’s form has been largely affected due to the club’s poor injury status. A number of key players are sidelined and this has led to the manager using an unbalanced starting XI in several matches.
At this moment, they need to upgrade their gameplay and make better use of the player currently at their disposal.
The Blues will be playing against tough opponents in the next two months and any slip-up will push them further down in the PL standings.
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There will be more pressure on Pochettino and his players to deliver in their upcoming blockbuster clash against a high-flying Arsenal.
The current issue surrounding the team is not only the manager’s fault as the players have been missing easy chances and not being lethal in attack.
The player’s lack of goal-scoring attributes could hit them hard if they continue to play at the current rate. Todd Boehly wouldn’t hesitate to explore the market again if the current bunch of players fail to deliver.
