Silva injury and Cucurella, Chalobah, D.D. Fofana absence explained
The Pride of London discuss and explain why Marc Cucurella, Trevoh Chalobah and David Datro Fofana were absent for Chelsea. And detail Thiago Silva’s injury update.
Following yet another rather dreadful and concerning defeat, this time to London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, Blues manager Graham Potter provided fitness and team information. Thiago Silva is a concern for CFC at present, the 38-year-old was injured in the Spurs match after a collision with Harry Kane. Potter hopes the Brazilian’s problem is not serious, but he was unsure at the time.
Meanwhile, Mateo Kovacic was ill, explaining his absence. Although, many Chelsea supporters wondered why Cucurella, Chalobah and D.D. Fofana were left out of the matchday squad. Potter attempted to be gracious as well as delicate, though his brevity on the trio was ominous and revealing:
"“The rest were unfortunate to be out of the squad.”"
Must Read. Tottenham 2-0 Chelsea: lessons learned for the Blues. light
Next Chelsea match versus Leeds United in the Premier League
First of all, will Potter remain in the the west London team’s dugout for the Leeds clash? Yes, it looks as though Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali won’t make a change at the Blues helm right away. Loss to the Peacocks might perhaps change that; the co-owners won’t want to appear incompetent or weak whilst admitting that their appointment backfired.
Funnily enough – or worryingly, depending on your club persuasion – Leeds are a mere one point above safety in the unfolding relegation fight, so they will be up for this match. Luckily the game is at Stamford Bridge because the last thing Potter needs is a daunting and hostile trip to Elland Road. Nevertheless, expect a closely contested fixture; gone are the days when Chels’ brushed aside this type of opponent on Fulham Road.
Next. Top 4 favourites to replace Potter as Blues manager. dark
With respect to team news, there are mostly fit players for the former Brighton & Hove Albion boss to choose from, as you likely read in the top section. However, Potter certainly doesn’t know his best lineup, he’s far from that juncture. When there is a proper plan in place and personnel prove themselves undroppable, the side may start cooking. That shall possibly be with a new head coach. Until then, PoL predict wholesale changes in the Chelsea XI on March 4.