Mauricio Pochettino is looking for a chance at revenge as Chelsea faces Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg, aiming for a spot in the Wembley final.
Despite Chelsea's recent 1-0 win over Fulham, Pochettino faces doubt, especially for his choice to bring on Ben Chilwell over Mykhailo Mudryk.
Middlesbrough, led by Michael Carrick, enters the match with confidence after beating Millwall, but injuries add uncertainty to their lineup.
In terms of player fitness, several key figures in the Chelsea squad are grappling with various injuries, influencing their availability for the impending challenges.
Christopher Nkunku, who has been sidelined due to a knee injury sustained in pre-season, has been a source of concern for Pochettino. His expected return is anticipated for the Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg against Middlesbrough on January 23.
Reece James, having recently recovered from a prior injury, suffered a setback with a hamstring issue during Chelsea's clash against Everton last month. Pochettino expressed optimism, stating, "He is one day closer to being with the group," but the exact return date remains uncertain.
Lesley Ugochukwu, who started for Chelsea against Wolves on Christmas Eve, was forced off with a hamstring injury. Currently following a rehabilitation program, the expected return date for Ugochukwu remains undisclosed.
Romeo Lavia, a teenage midfielder who made his debut against Crystal Palace but subsequently suffered a thigh problem, is undergoing rehabilitation. Pochettino is cautiously optimistic about Lavia's recovery, emphasizing the player's importance and expressing hope that he can rejoin the team soon.
Robert Sanchez, who endured a knee injury in Chelsea's defeat to Manchester United last month, is facing a prolonged absence. Pochettino acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Sanchez's recovery, stating, "It is an injury that's going to be for a few weeks, and we will assess day-by-day to know how to follow it."
Trevoh Chalobah, grappling with a thigh injury throughout the season, has recently resumed training with the group. Pochettino noted, "The good news is that Trevoh Chalobah has started to work with the group," but the exact timeline for his return remains uncertain.
Marc Cucurella, absent since Chelsea's trip to Goodison Park in December due to an ankle injury requiring surgery, is currently undergoing a rehabilitation program. Pochettino did not provide specific details on Cucurella's return but mentioned the ongoing recovery process.
Lastly, Wesley Fofana, who suffered an ACL injury in pre-season training, is expected to miss a significant portion of the season. Although he has returned to training at Cobham, Pochettino indicated that Fofana may require more time before making a full comeback, with an anticipated return date in April 2024.
As Chelsea navigate through a challenging period with these varied injuries, Pochettino remains focused on the task at hand, balancing the demands of the Carabao Cup with the ongoing race for Champions League qualification. The coming weeks will undoubtedly test the depth and resilience of the squad under Pochettino's guidance.
Source: Football London / Join us on Telegram!/ Follow us on Twitter!