Ed Hodge, Trevoh Chalobah’s trainer, revealed the reasons behind the club’s injury crisis in a now-deleted post.
Chelsea have a long list of injured first-team stars, which may have affected their dismal form. Mauricio Pochettino is yet to get the best out of this expensively assembled squad. They continue to languish in 14th place after five Premier League games.
Chelsea could not break Bournemouth down at the weekend. They also suffered a loss to Nottingham Forest before the international break. At least six or seven of their first-team players are out injured, with none closer to returning.
Chief among those are Reece James, Christopher Nkunku, Wesley Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah. The latter is close to returning soon, as per his trainer. He also revealed broad reasons behind Chelsea’s injury crisis in a now-deleted Twitter (X) post.
The Chelsea star’s trainer, Ed Dodge, may have indicated many of the current first-team players are deploying the wrong methods. A screenshot of what appears to be a personal conversation on Instagram appeared on Mail Sport via Football Transfers, where Chalobah’s trainer lays it bare for everyone with his insight on the club’s problems while also revealing Chalobah’s fitness levels.
Trevoh Chalobah's personal trainer has appeared to brand Chelsea's injury crisis 'an absolute mess'.
Ed Hodge, who works closely with Chalobah, seemed to discuss the Blues' issues in a now-deleted Twitter post showing what looks to be a private Instagram conversation.
— Simon Phillips (@siphillipssport) September 19, 2023
Dodge said, “Trev has a hammie [hamstring] injury, should be back to 90 per cent sprint ability by [the] end of this week.”
“Most of the injuries are because the players have been loading muscles time and time again without lengthening them simultaneously… then one lunch into a tackle or a COD too rapidly and they’re injured.
“Hardly any of them do reformer Pilates or terrain work (i.e. stair sprints & hill sprints to strengthen knee ligaments). “It’s an absolute mess at the moment, bro.”
It’s a baffling expose of what happens inside Chelsea’s training ground and player fitness. The club are clearly in a difficult position on the league table, and the long list of injured players have yet to aid their cause so far.
As for Chalobah, Chelsea might sell the defender when the transfer window opens in January. He could also return to full fitness in the coming weeks and provide Pochettino with a new option to count upon.
Chalobah, last season, was able to play centrally and even as a right-back. Chelsea needs more depth in the latter position with Reece James’ inconsistent fitness record. Malo Gusto remains the only current option at Pochettino’s disposal.
