When it comes to injuries, no one can match Newcastle this season. But Chelsea are close. The Blues are very inconsistent this season, and one of the reasons for that is the amount of injuries. Trevoh Chalobah, Ben Chilwell, Carney Chukwuemeka, Wesley Fofana, Malo Gusto, Roméo Lavia, Noni Madueke, Christopher Nkunku and Lesley Ugochukwu are all out. Add to that goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, captain Reece James and Marc Cucurella, who got injured last week in a 2-0 loss to Everton, and the job for coach Mauricio Pochettino becomes massive (as if it wasn’t challenging before that).🚨 The club can confirm Marc Cucurella, Reece James and Robert Sanchez are set for spells on the sidelines following medical results this week.— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 15, 2023 In explaining his situation ahead of the Sheffield United game, with three defeats in the last four games and with so many injuries, the Argentinian compared himself with a master builder.“We have a lot of injury issues and it’s like building a house and some of the stuff are not there but we need to keep believing. The roof? Not there yet. We have good people building the house, good architects. We have the best company, architects, very creative and good – already proven. But when you want to build something you need solid foundations which sometimes are affected because of the nature of the circumstances. You dig the hole and there is water, it is not because of the company. An unexpected situation which delays the possibility to move quicker than you expected. Unfortunately we received too many hits against us” said Pochettino.🚨 Chelsea could move to sign Aaron Ramsdale after confirmation Robert Sanchez will be sidelined with a knee injury. (Source: @talkSPORT} pic.twitter.com/5DWYYju57Q— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) December 16, 2023 Many have argued that with one billion spent in the last three windows, Chelsea could have bought some already-made players and not the young ones. The master builder explains.“If you want to buy a new house you go to the market and choose the best house. A new house, already finished, this one, bam. But if you want to build a house you know you need to take some risks. We are going to need more time” said Pochettino.Liverpool was too late and it was impossible to reject Chelsea, reveals CaicedoSheffield United provide a good chance for some points (finally), as they are rock bottom in the Premier League. Chelsea will be without all injured players but Christopher Nkunku is finally back, for the first time since pre-season and will feature at some point during the game. Goalkeeper Sanchez is facing four weeks out with a knee injury, leaving rookie Djordje Petrovic set for a full debut. James will find out on Monday if he needs surgery on his latest hamstring injury while Marc Cucurella will learn more about the extent of his ankle injury in the ‘coming days’ after he needs additional scans.PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 17Friday Nott.Forest – Tottenham 0-2 (0-1)/Richarlison 45+2, Kulusevski 65/Saturday 18.00: (1.53) Bournemouth (4.40) Luton (6.75)18.00: (1.25) Chelsea (6.50) Sheffield Utd (10.5)20.30: (3.60) Burnley (3.45) Everton (2.20)Sunday17.00: (1.50) Arsenal (4.50) Brighton (7.2517.00: (3.25) Brentford (3.45) Aston Villa (2.2017.00: (2.25) West Ham (3.50) Wolverhampton (3.4019.30: (1.35) Liverpool (5.30) Man.Utd. (8.00***odds are subject to change***
