The recent run of average performances by Chelsea has led to increasing doubts over manager Mauricio Pochettino’s leadership and strategies. As the team is under a lot of pressure, the forthcoming week provides an important opportunity for potential improvements.
The Blues were able to secure their spot in the FA Cup quarter finals despite securing a very narrow victory over Leeds United but were held to a 2-2 draw by Brentford who had lost 11 of their 14 matches.
Pochettino is currently facing a huge challenge after losing support from a large portion of the Chelsea fanbase, and it seems that this issue won’t be resolving anytime soon due to the injuries cropping up within the team before facing Newcastle United on Monday.
The latest on fitness news from the Blues:
Christopher Nkunku:
The marquee signing was last week ruled out for up to a month after picking up an injury in the Carabao Cup Final defeat.
Pochettino later said: “We need to see and evaluate every day but he’s out for three or four weeks. We hope no more.\
“It’s difficult for him. We watched him when he arrived in pre-season. He was flying on the training pitch until he got injured. Now it is nearly eight months and he has been involved again but he is not the same player as before.
Later, Pochettino said: “He suffered a problem in his hamstring, and now we will see if in a few weeks he can be available again; he has been doing recovery since Sunday.”
Return Date: March 30 vs Burnley
Romeo Lavia:
Summer signing Romeo Lavia has also had a horrible time with injuries, having been forced to wait until December for his debut, only to pick up another injury during the game and subsequently ruled out for months.
Pochettino told reporters last month that Lavia is yet to return to first-team training, and the player then posted on X:
Received a lot of support messages and I wanted to let you know that it means a lot to me. I’m gutted not to be able to help the team, but I’m fully focused on coming back.
The wait will be worth it…💙— Lavia Roméo (@RomeoLavia) February 10, 2024
Return Date: Unknown
Reece James:
The academy graduate and right-back was named the Blues’ captain by Pochettino last summer but has rarely been able to wear the armband due to a string of injuries.
His recent hamstring injury has seen him out of the squad since December, and surgery was required, the hope was three months out. This would bring it to this months’ end before he returns to training with the squad.
Return Date: April 2024
Carney Chukwuemeka:
Carney Chukwuemeka twisted his ankle in training last month and has been out of action since, missing the Carabao Cup Final in the process.
Return Date: Unknown
Lesley Ugochukwu:
On Christmas Eve, Lesley picked up a hamstring injury and was expected to miss around six weeks.
That timeline has now passed but there has been no update on his return to the squad.
Return Date: Unknown
Wesley Fofana:
Wesley Fofana went through surgery just before the start of pre-season and he was out for most of the 2023-24 season.
Return Date: Unknown
