Chelsea will look to continue the recent winning run when they lock horns with Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday afternoon. And Mauricio Pochettino has greeted positive updates on the team news front ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Reece James, Carney Chukwuemeka, and Benoit Badiashile have resumed training. But James is not available, as he is serving a suspension. Meanwhile, Moises Caicedo and Mykhailo Mudryk are in contention to feature after recovering from their knocks.
But Malo Gusto remains on the sidelines due to a suspension, which will end after the international break. The Frenchman accompanies Wesley Fofana (knee), Ben Chilwell (hamstring), Romeo Lavia (ankle), and Christopher Nkunku (knee) on the sidelines.
Pochettino confirmed that Caicedo and Mudryk would be in the matchday squad during his pre-match press conference. The Argentine tactician also discussed the availability of Chukwuemeka and James. He said, “They [Caicedo and Mudryk] are both in the squad and then we will decide if they can be available to play from the start or not.”
“Of course Misha is improving like all the players. Always it’s about time, it’s about special circumstances. Every single player has their own special circumstances and we need to understand those circumstances. For Moises it’s about time because he’s a player you already know can perform in the Premier League.”
“Carney was close to joining us last week. This week he was training well but I still haven’t decided because I need to check now with the medical staff after training today. Reece was training with the group. It’s a shame that he’s suspended and he is banned for tomorrow. We are really happy with the way that he is recovering after his injury and he’s doing well. He is available so after the international break when his suspension is over he will have the possibility of being involved.”
With James and Gusto unavailable, Marc Cucurella will start as a makeshift right-back again. The Spaniard will join Axel Disasi, Thiago Silva, and Levi Colwill in the defensive unit, which will protect Robert Sanchez in the goal.
As for the midfield unit, Caicedo should be fit enough to start. The Ecuadorian international is slowly improving and will look to make the midfield position his own. Caicedo will join Enzo Fernandez and Conor Gallagher in the middle of the park.
Finally, the offensive department should also some changes. Raheem Sterling should replace Mudryk, who will appear off the bench. Meanwhile, with Pochettino easing Armando Broja into the thick of the action, Nicolas Jackson will spearhead the attack. Cole Palmer will complete the numbers in the attack, with Noni Madueke missing out.
