Mauricio Pochettino will have to do without key attackers for the Crystal Palace clash, while Christopher Nkunku could make his first start for Chelsea.
Mauricio Pochettino continues to adjust to his selection, with a raft of injuries to many of his first-team stars. The Chelsea manager will have to make enforced alterations against Crystal Palace, with two of his most lethal attackers missing the clash.
Pochettino updated a few of his stars during the pre-match pre-match press conference. He remained optimistic about including Moises Caicedo but ruled out fellow midfielders Enzo Fernandez and Lesley Ugochukwu for the Palace game.
On the fitness of his players, he said, “Enzo, no, but we hope Moi, yes. “Moi was better on Sunday. He had a high fever, and that is why he was isolated. We hope he can train quickly and be ready for Palace.”
“We need to assess Lesley; I think he felt his hamstring again [against Wolves]. You have to be careful introducing players coming back from injuries, but the problem of Moi meant it was a difficult situation. He is a player we are going to miss, hopefully not too much because in a period like this we need all the players.”
Pochettino also spoke about Christopher Nkunku after the Frenchman made his long-awaited return from injury and scored a late consolation against Wolves on Sunday.
Pochettino continued, “At the moment he is coming back from injury his best position is more like a 10 or a 9, more than the left or right side like a winger. To cope with the demands of the Premier League and what the team needs, it’s better in these positions.”
“He is now starting to understand the Premier League, that teams are very aggressive, and the football is very different to other countries. “It’s good for him, more minutes. He will adapt little by little, but scoring will help him adapt quicker.”
Nkunku will find a place in the starting lineup owing to the suspensions to Raheem Sterling and Cole Palmer after the duo picked up bookings in the loss to Wolves. Djordje Petrovic should continue in goal, with Robert Sanchez still out but may have a slightly altered back four in front.
Thiago Silva and Axel Disasi will form the central defensive partnership, as Benoit Badiashile did not inspire after coming off the bench against Wolves. Levi Colwill will continue at left-back owing to the injuries in that position. Malo Gusto seems like the best option at right-back, although Pochettino could also experiment with Ian Maatsen there.
Moises Caicedo might return to the fold and form the midfield partnership with Conor Gallagher. Nkunku will assume the No.10 role behind central striker Nicolas Jackson, who remains desperate for a goal. Noni Madueke and Mykhailo Mudryk are best placed to start on the wings.
Predicted Chelsea XI: Petrovic; Gusto, Disasi, Silva, Colwill; Caicedo, Gallagher; Madueke, Nkunku, Mudryk; Jackson
