Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino decides whether or not new midfield additions Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia will respectively play versus West Ham United. And the boss talks about Reece James’s latest injury setback.
Before Caicedo or Lavia come into the starting XI, they will be assessed. Those are the thoughts of Pochettino.
The former Tottenham Hotspur gaffer says it’d be easy to field them versus West Ham. Although, he is hesitant of rushing the pair.
An update from Chelsea and the manager on injured captain Reece James
In recent campaigns, we have seen Blues sides capitulate and collapse through James’s absence. We all know how crucial he is to the side so I won’t harp on about it. Many people are now hoping that alternative candidates such as the rapid Malo Gusto can potentially replace the England international to some extent.
Basically, James has suffered yet another hamstring issue. He was withdrawn early against Liverpool as the west Londoners battled to a deserved draw. It was said that the versatile rightback was merely tired. However, on Friday afternoon, the official Chels‘ website gave an update on sidelined personnel.
It has now been confirmed that James sustained a new problem (possibly a recurrence with his poor fitness track record) in training this week. Though some intensive and unmerited reports suggested that the 23-year-old might perhaps not be available for months, ‘Poch’ revealed that a return should materialise within weeks instead.
Meanwhile, reports were also offered for a host of other unavailable Blues stars. Beginning with Benoit Badiashile, the Frenchman is said to be at the ‘end stages’ of before a comeback. Goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli continues a ‘rehabilitation programme’. While Armando Broja is coming towards the final part of his physiotherapy.
Trevoh Chalobah isn’t near to returning; Wesley Fofana is far from a comeback after an operation. And Christopher Nkunku is in a similar position, though with an arguably lesser complaint.