Injury Update: 23-year-old Chelsea star could be eyeing return for crucial cup tie

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel gives update regarding Mason Mount ahead of their Premier League clash against Crystal Palace.

In his pre-match conference (h/t Liverpool Echo), Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel spoke about the injury that Mason Mount sustained in the finals of the FIFA Club World Cup. The German manager hinted that the 23-year-old would try to make it in time for the EFL Cup final against Liverpool later this month.

The attacking midfielder who has initially picked up a knock in their last FA Cup fixture against Plymouth Argyle will be unavailable against the Eagles. The young English midfielder has cemented his position in the first team set up ever since making inroads to the senior squad under the guidance of former manager Frank Everton.

The youngster has been a live wire and has produced some classy displays in the last couple of seasons. With a packed schedule this month, the absence of the 23-year-old could be a grave loss. The Blues may even have to play in their upcoming UEFA Champions League fixture against LOSC Lille without Mount.

In his presser (h/t Liverpool Echo), Tuchel gave his verdict regarding the English midfielder. The German highlighted that a return soon might be very hard but the club would be hoping that the youngster can make it in time for the Cup final:

“We will push for the league cup final. He has Injured ligaments in the very first minute of the final unfortunately.”The Champions League seems to be very, very close and we’ll try hard for the cup final.”

Chelsea and their injury woes this season

The 23-year-old isn’t the only attacking player that is sorely being missed by the 48-year-old manager at the moment. Covid issues along with injury scares have put a lot of strain on the West Londoners recently. The issues seem to have come at a really bad time as the Stamford Bridge outfit are competing across several fronts trying to bag as much silverware as possible.

Both of their first-choice wing-backs in Ben Chilwell and Reece James are on the sidelines due to injury. While the former is most likely out for the rest of the season, the latter could also be absent for a long period which could be a further blow for the defending UCL champions.

In his pre-match press conference (h/t Football.London), the Chelsea boss also shed light on the fact that the 22-year-old wing-back’s situation seems to be precarious and is yet to start team training again:

“I don’t know. Every time I would say would be wrong. It would be guessing. I hope he can come back to team training next week. That is the next step then I can maybe give more insight.”

Despite putting up great performances in recent times, the Blues are way behind Manchester City in the Premier League at the moment. There is a gap of 16 points between both the teams and it would require something extraordinary for Chelsea to be able to bridge this deficit by the end of the season.

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The London-based club could therefore look at a top-four finish as a realistic feat in England’s top flight this season and try their best to win the other titles on offer. The Club World Cup was a step in the right direction and the fans would be hoping that the Blues can continue this momentum in the Carabao Cup final as well as the knockout stages of the Champions League.