Since there are still no available first team players, Mauricio Pochettino is still looking for players to flesh out his Chelsea squad. There won’t be much of an improvement when the Blues host Aston Villa one week after selecting just one player on the bench who had started a Premier League game for the club.
Despite progress being made on a number of fronts, there are still significant voids to be filled because the injury problems that have created a somber backdrop to the season thus far have not to totally abate. Come Sunday afternoon, it’s likely that the Argentine head coach will once more select players who are even younger and less experienced than is typical for him at this point in the season.
Christopher Nkunku, Romeo Lavia, Benoit Badiashile, and Armando Broja are among the players who have yet to make an appearance for the team this season, while Wesley Fofana is unlikely to make a comeback before the season is out. That group alone has talent valued at over £250 million, yet it just makes up a portion of Cobham’s crowded treatment area.
Chelsea, unlike Villa, did not have to play a midweek match because they did not earn a spot in a European competition. The fact that it has only happened twice in the last 20 years for the Blues has caused rising resentment within the fan base. Pochettino, however, notices a silver lining.
Before the game against Unai Emery’s team, he remarked, “Yes, [no Champions League is helpful] because it’s about us rehabilitating players from injuries. “Under the circumstances, having time to work is a good thing. With the talent we have, we put forth a lot of effort over this excellent week.
“For the fans, it is difficult, of course, because Chelsea usually participates in the competition.” But it will give him more time to focus on getting crucial midfielder Moises Caicedo back. The Ecuadorian international, who missed the team’s group training sessions earlier in the week due to an injury sustained while traveling with his nation, returned to practice on Friday.
Moi [Caicedo] needs to be evaluated tomorrow (Saturday), according to Pochettino. We could need an extra day, and [Armando] Broja might be able to help.
One of those who is healing from ailments that were evident prior to Pochettino’s appointment as manager is Broja. Although it was anticipated that he would work with the club’s youth teams before making a comeback to the main squad, the former Tottenham manager may be forced to make a decision given the lack of available center-forward options.
Although he will continue to lead the squad, Nicolas Jackson is only one caution away from being suspended. He will once again be the focal point of most assaults, but he needs to produce more after scoring just once in his previous five games so far.
Although the 21-year-old would not be considered a senior at almost any other team in the world, Pochettino could choose to use Broja on the bench because there is room for some more experienced heads. However, the Tottenham manager has already demonstrated his preference for using two goalkeepers, with academy standout Lucas Bergstrom likely to be used once more.
Alfie Gilchrist, who recently renewed his contract with his old club, might be added at the back. He won’t likely start, but if no other defensive options are available, he might be used. Alex Matos or Ronnie Stutter may also fill the vacant squad positions.
Jimmy-Jay Morgan has been practicing with the senior squad over the past week, and both academy players were part of the squad that went to Bournemouth last week. Pochettino will have to make decisions, but they may not be the ones he had in mind at this point in the season.
Robert Sanchez, Djorde Petrovic, and Lucas Bergstrom are the goalkeepers.
