Chelsea are back in action in one week as they prepare to face AFC Bournemouth, but in the midst of the international break, Mauricio Pochettino has been handed another injury concern. This time, it’s for Mykhailo Mudryk, who featured against England in European Championship qualifiers, but had to come off after a slight issue.
There does appear to be a slight boost elsewhere on the injury front though, as Reece James posted an update that suggested he may be back soon, while Benoit Badiashile also looks likely to return after the break. In terms of transfer news, there’s still plenty of fallout from the summer, including the future of Marc Cucurella.
Jurgen Klopp exit
Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham will be on red alert as Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is being targeted by the German men’s national team for their vacant head coach role, according to reports.
The 56-year-old has had huge success at Borussia Dortmund before he made the switch to Merseyside in 2015, playing a huge part in their transformation. Bringing along his Gegenpressing style of play, Klopp made a team that made intensity their main aim and pressing their main playmaker within games.
Boehly transfer instruction
Former Chelsea defender Gary Cahill has claimed that the key difference between the success his side had at the club and the current struggles the Blues face now is down to squad building and transfer strategy.
It comes as the west London outfit are still in the midst of a huge change under the new ownership, following on from Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital winning the race to take over the club last May. Since then, switches have been made amongst every department, from backroom staff to the players.
Marina return
Former Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia has made two returns to the club in the past year following her exit from the Blues in summer of 2022, it has been reported.
The Russian-Canadian business executive joined the club in 2010 and then the board in 2013 until she was appointed director in 2014, serving in that role for eight-years. Granovskaia was often in charge of transfer business and contract renewals, with plenty of debate over the deals she conducted.
Mudryk message
England men’s national team head coach Gareth Southgate has given a four-word verdict on Mykhailo Mudryk following his side’s clash with Ukraine on Saturday.
The Chelsea star featured on the left-wing for his nation in a huge game in the context of the European Championship qualifiers for 2024. Ukraine sat second in the group, knowing that a win over the Three Lions in Poland could bring them closer to usurping them to top spot and land qualification.
Toney price tag at £70m
Brentford would be willing to accept £70million from Chelsea for Ivan Toney in January, according to reports. The Bees striker is currently midway through an eight-money ban relating to breaching FA betting rules but can return to action in the new year.
It is no secret that Chelsea will be on the hunt for a striker once the transfer window reopens. While Nicolas Jackson joined in the summer, he is very much viewed as one for the future and has been thrown in the deep end early due to Christopher Nkunku’s injury.
Goals have been hard to come by for Chelsea in the past year and Mauricio Pochettino could turn to a proven Premier League goalscorer. Toney will have 18 months on his contract remaining when the January window opens.
The piece claims Brentford would be reluctant to let him leave but, for £70million, they may play ball. Toney scored 21 goals in all competitions for the Bees last season.
