Mauricio Pochettino viewed as 'leading contender' for national team job after settling 8-figure Chelsea pay-off
Chelsea’s comeback from the international break must include a run of positive results. The Blues have little room for error in their pursuit of European qualifying, whether in the Premier League or the FA Cup. They also have an upcoming crucial Premier League clash against Burnley.
Mauricio Pochettino‘s team, Chelsea faces relegation-threatened Burnley at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, followed by games against Manchester United, Sheffield United, and Everton before their FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City at Wembley Stadium next month.
Injuries have been a constant source of frustration for Blues boss Pochettino during his first campaign at the helm and he still has a number of key issues lingering ahead of the weekend.
Cole Palmer was playing at his best again before the international break with a fine performance against Leicester in the FA Cup but was ruled out of England’s friendly with Brazil over the international break.
Pochettino would have breathed a sigh of relief as the former Manchester City forward returned to training before Tuesday’s match against Belgium, even though he did not play in the second game. Palmer seems to have shaken off his minor knock and will surely be fit to face Burnley on Saturday.
Chelsea faced another international break fright when Gusto withdrew from France’s Under-21 team earlier this week. The in-form right-back, suffering from a virus, had a fast recovery and will be ready to face Burnley, providing a significant boost for Pochettino.
Chelsea had a couple of injury boosts but they have a big problem left. Chelsea have been without their injury-plagued captain, Reece James, since early December after he underwent hamstring surgery.
However, England boss Gareth Southgate recently expressed hope that the right-back could get a few games under his belt. Yet there is no official timeframe for James’ potential return to action and it is currently unknown when he will be able to play again.
With the Blues fighting for the Premier League and FA Cup, their boss, Mauricio, would be hoping for the fully fit comeback of as many players as possible. It’s been a long time since Chelsea have been facing constant injuries and for once, at such a crucial time, the boss would just be praying to get a fully fit squad ready to battle for the Cup.
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