“We are so happy because of him”- Pochettino answers if Chelsea star’s injury return felt like a new signing

Mauricio Pochettino says he was happy to have Chelsea player Trevoh Chalobah back from long-term injury

Mauricio Pochettino expressed satisfaction with the return of Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah, who recently made his first appearance of the season. Chalobah, a product of the club’s academy, had been sidelined with an injury since before the start of the campaign.

The centre-back marked his return with a start in the 3-2 victory over Leeds United, having previously made cameo appearances in matches against Manchester City and Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.

At 23 years old, Chalobah will be eager to accumulate more minutes on the pitch as the season progresses. However, his future at the club remains uncertain, with speculation suggesting he was close to departing Chelsea last summer.

Chalobah has attracted interest from Bayern Munich and Nottingham Forest, and it remains to be seen what his future holds going into the summer transfer window, but Pochettino was happy to have the academy player back, and when asked about his return feeling like a new signing, Pochettino said (h/t Football.London):

“We are so happy because of him. He was suffering. He was really fit in the pre-season. He was playing the most until I remember in Washington against Fulham; he feels something in his quad. After eight or nine months, there is the possibility to play and help the team. So happy for him because he was sad during a long period.’’

Redemption time for Chalobah.

Having endured a significant portion of the campaign on the sidelines due to injury, Chalobah would undoubtedly have felt a sense of relief upon returning to action. However, his seamless reintroduction to the team, marked by impressive performances in his last three outings, has made it seem as though he never left. This resurgence has bolstered Pochettino’s defensive options, providing the manager with added depth and versatility at the back.

Indeed, spending an extended period away from home, especially due to injury, can take a toll on one’s psychological well-being. It’s crucial to find ways to stay occupied and maintain a positive mindset during such challenging times. Injuries can be incredibly distressing, not just physically but also emotionally, as they disrupt one’s routine and goals.

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Chelsea has indeed faced a barrage of injuries over the past season, and it’s a concern that continues to linger. Managing these injuries effectively, both in terms of treatment and prevention, is essential for the team’s success and the well-being of the players.