Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino defiantly told the Blues’ critics that they will succeed under his and Todd Boehly’s leadership after another tough week. The Argentine’s side were beaten 2-0 by Everton last weekend and lost two key players to injury in midweek.
Captain Reece James is set for another prolonged spell on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring problem. Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez will miss the visit of Sheffield United on Saturday.
Pochettino will welcome back summer signing Christopher Nkunku, with the Frenchman set to make his Premier League debut after recovering from a knee injury he suffered in pre-season. Nkunku will be in the squad to face the Blades.
Chelsea’s critics have questioned Pochettino’s rebuild this week, wondering how much progress has been made under the former Tottenham head coach. But the Blues manager pointed out that his project is a work-in-progress and has insisted that he will ultimately succeed.
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“It’s like when you live in a house and suffer problems and need to delay. That in football happens when you’re involved in a project to build something. It’s a problem you never want to suffer. In our mind Reece was one of key players and captain,” Pochettino said of this week’s injury setbacks.
“What can we do? We need to keep believing and working. All the pressure starts from scratch and you need to go up. We need to build a structure and take more time. I have no doubt, in the end we are going to succeed.
“We talked a lot this week about belief and trust, now, we are not in a position that is nice to see. It is a reality and we need to find a reality. We have talented players, now it is to believe and step up and to keep pushing.”
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In more positive news for Chelsea and Pochettino, versatile forward Nkunku will be available for selection for the first time since pre-season. A £53m signing from RB Leipzig, the 26-year-old will be in the matchday squad for Saturday’s clash at Stamford Bridge.
“Yes, he can be involved. That is very good news,” Pochettino said of Nkunku. “To be involved tomorrow and be in the squad and to feel the competition after the pre-season is good news for us.
“We need to be calm and quiet so as not to put all the pressure on him. Now he’s going to evolve, know the Premier League. It’s a big motivation for us, for the teammates, and the fans to see a player that should be important for us and to be in the squad for the first time.”
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