Mauricio Pochettino gives fitness update on Ben Chilwell as Chelsea star is surprise inclusion in England squad

Chelsea vice-captain Ben Chilwell is in contention to face Leicester City in FA Cup quarter-final

Mauricio Pochettino confirmed Ben Chilwell will be included in Chelsea’s clash with Leicester City in the FA Cup quarterfinal on Sunday lunchtime. The left-back was sidelined with a fresh injury and was unavailable in a 3-2 win over Newcastle United last weekend.

Marc Cucurella was given the start for the first time since December after the Spanish fullback suffered an ankle injury last year. Ben Chiwell’s arrival in the squad provides some breathing space for an already injury-ridden Chelsea.

The 27-year-old has been additionally called up for England’s March international friendlies to face Brazil and Belgium. His inclusion in the Three Lions squad was surprising for many, and when asked about the academy player’s fitness ahead of the FA Cup game, Pochettino said via Football. London:

”Yes, already Gareth [Southgate] told you he’s fit. He’s back to training, and I think everything is going well. He will be in the squad for Sunday, yes.’’

This season, our captain and vice-captain have hardly been available. In addition, Reece James is marred by injuries; it is unclear when he will return, while Chilwell is finally fully fit. Furthermore, the issue is not new; it has been happening since the previous season. The 27-year-old will be happy with the call-up for England games in March after the fullback missed many international matches and also one of the biggest events in 2022, the FIFA World Cup due to hamstring injury.

Pochettino will be greatly relieved that his two left-backs are now fit to participate in a game. Since the previous season, Chilwell and Cucurella have sustained numerous injuries, which is alarming. The England international has had difficulty staying sound, a concern that has plagued every player this season.

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We need to look at this type of issue with our medical team because if it persists, it will only impede our advancement and Pochettino won’t have a completely fit roster for crucial games. However, for the time being, we should focus on Leicester’s game, who have been playing well in the championship and will be a tough challenge on Sunday.