In the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final between Chelsea and Middlesbrough, Mauricio Pochettino will be out to rectify the record. On Tuesday night, the Blues will host the Championship team at Stamford Bridge with the goal of securing a spot in the Wembley final.
Chelsea enters the match fresh off a 1-0 victory over Fulham the previous weekend. In the hunt for Champions League qualification, the west Londoners picked up three vital points, but Pochettino found it difficult to convince his skeptics, particularly after he started Ben Chilwell at left wing instead of Mykhailo Mudryk.
Middlesbrough, who are also dealing with a lot of injuries, will be confident going into their match against the Blues after defeating Millwall the previous weekend. Chelsea may have to play Michael Carrick’s team without some of its star players because they are not to be taken lightly.
The most recent information on injuries from Stamford Bridge.
Nkunku Christopher
Due to a knee injury he sustained during the preseason, Nkunku has missed a significant portion of the season. Pochettino aroused suspicions shortly after he emerged from the treatment room when he said he was “worried” about the Frenchman’s predicament.
What Pochettino stated: “It’s true that the situation will be revealed over the course of the next few days. I told you that I was a little concerned for that reason. I still don’t have all the details regarding whether or not he will be available during the brief initial period. In order to make some decisions and consider our options, we must exercise extreme clinical judgment.
Anticipated date of return: January 23, Middlesbrough (H) – Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg
James Reece
James sustained another hamstring injury during Chelsea’s match against Everton last month, not long after he left the treatment room. Since then, he has not been seen, and it is unknown when he will return.
As stated by Pochettino: “I believe he is feeling well. We spoke, and he informed us that he had begun his recuperation, bringing him one day closer to joining the group. This is really good; everyone is happy around him, and we’re going to support and get involved.
It is never easy for a player to have such a challenging, complex season. The time has come to begin the healing process. It will be one day less until he joins the group, and we’re going to approach things positively because, above all, the most crucial thing is to begin problem-solving and, of course, to support him in being resilient and optimistic.
“It’s crucial, which is why the club needs to support this incredible institute in order for Reece to be at his best and recover as quickly as possible.”
Lesley Ugochukwu
On Christmas Eve, Ugochukwu made his Chelsea debut against Wolves, but he was substituted out due to what looked to be a hamstring strain. He is presently engaged in a rehabilitation regimen.
Romeo Lavia
Lavia had a thigh issue shortly after making his Chelsea debut against Crystal Palace, which was shortly after Christmas. The teenage midfield player is reportedly completing a rehabilitation program, but it’s not yet clear when he’ll be ready to play again.
What Pochettino has stated: “He senses a problem. We have to make sure and pray it’s not [bad]. I’m a little anxious. I’m not sure because, if you watched the game [against Crystal Palace], you would not have understood why I moved Lavia around at the end because he was having trouble running. We’ll observe the situation.
“Hopefully, it won’t be a major problem and he can play with us once more. A key player who will heal, it will be unfortunate if we are unable to use him in the upcoming games.”
Robert Sanchez
Sanchez was ruled fit to play against the Toffees despite suffering a knee injury during Chelsea’s loss to Manchester United last month. The Spaniard was replaced by Djordje Petrovic at Goodison Park after aggravating his knock during the second half.
“It is an injury that’s going to be for a few weeks, I don’t know if two, three, four, five, or six,” stated Pochettino. We will evaluate it daily to determine how to adhere to it. We hope he returns as soon as possible, but his recovery will depend on him and how his knee responds. It is difficult to predict whether he will be back in two or three weeks.
Date of anticipated return: late January or early February
Trevoh Chalobah
Chalobah has not yet made an appearance for Chelsea this season due to a thigh injury. The defender appears to have an uncertain future despite having been a mainstay of the Blues defense in the past.
“The good news is that Trevoh Chalobah has started working with the group,” stated Pochettino. We must evaluate each day to see if he can assist us. However, he is doing well. He has been practicing with the group lately.”
Marc Cucurella
Since the Blues’ December trip to Goodison Park, Cucurella has not appeared for Chelsea due to an ankle injury. Later, the defender acknowledged on social media that he had had surgery to address the problem. He is currently participating in a rehabilitation program.
Wesley Fofana
Fofana tore his ACL during preseason workouts, meaning he will miss the majority of the season. Despite this, he has resumed working out on the Cobham pitches.
