The Blues hoping to push for European qualification despite blow against Burnley
Chelsea are set to host Manchester United as two managers under immense pressure are set to rub shoulders on Thursday night.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side has endured an inconsistent campaign in his first season in charge of the West Londoners, although the Blues are hoping to make an outside bid for European qualification for next season, although their pursuit was dealt a fresh blow by struggling Burnley, who drew at the Bridge last weekend despite going down to ten men. Mauricio Pochettino admitted the encounter against Burnley to be a “must-win,” though he conceded following the conclusion of the game that his team was “missing something” and lacked “heart and head.”
While they bear the sorrow of not picking up three points at the weekend, the boys at Cobham have an opportunity to get back to winning ways in a headline game against United.
Injury concerns looming at Chelsea, as two stars expected to return against United
The officials at Chelsea will have some sympathy for Pochettino, who has hardly ever been able to choose a consistent starting lineup owing to injuries in his first season at Stamford Bridge. Going into the game, the Argentine boss will receive a couple of injury boosts, which could go a long way for the hosts.
The Blues are hoping for Malo Gusto to be available for the game, as the French defender has had a couple of injury concerns lately. The 20-year-old full-back had to be subbed off with a hamstring problem at the weekend, although he has taken part in training and is expected to be involved for the hosts tomorrow. Alongside Gusto, academy defender Trevoh Chalobah is also expected to be available for the game tomorrow. Both players returned to training with the squad.
Ben Chilwell is still recovering and didn’t train with the squad.
Former Tottenham boss speaking in his pre-match conference confirmed availability of Gusto & Chalobah while gave updates on Chilwell’s situation with his knee (via. Football.London):
“Trevoh and Malo trained with us and they will be ready to be in the squad. Chilly, no. We didn’t see Chilly from Friday because the doctor and the medical staff removed from his knee a lot of fluid after coming back from the national team. Saturday, he got ill and wasn’t [in] Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. He is at home trying to recover. Robert Sanchez is training.”
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It is a big game from Chelsea’s season prospective, a win here could boost the confidence to throw in a potential run for European qualification and salvage something out of the season.