Chelsea’s head coach, Mauricio Pochettino, has acknowledged the team’s efforts to unravel the mystery behind their extensive injury list, which may see up to 14 players sidelined for the upcoming match against Tottenham.
The defensive duo, Thiago Silva and Axel Disasi, joined the injury roster following last Saturday’s draw with Aston Villa, compelling Pochettino to enlist the help of five young academy players.
The team’s performance has been significantly hampered by the absence of key players, some of whom were part of a massive £1 billion investment in new talent over the last two years.
Among the notable players out of action are Wesley Fofana, sidelined for the season due to an ACL injury, and Christopher Nkunku, who has been restricted to a mere seven appearances in the Premier League.
Romeo Lavia has made a solitary appearance, while Reece James and Ben Chilwell have faced extended periods away from play, leaving the team struggling in the middle of the league standings.
Recently, it was announced that Enzo Fernandez, Chelsea’s record-breaking £105 million signing, is out for the season after a hernia surgery.
Pochettino, preparing for the game against his previous team, currently fifth in the league, expressed the complexity of the situation.
“Too many circumstances have happened. It’s difficult to explain with one word or in one sentence. Of course we are working on trying to improve. We have an amazing staff — medical staff, coaching staff. They have experience in managing clubs and being in this business.
“When some circumstances arrive, sometimes it can happen. We need to now, until the end of the season, put all the information on the table and try to be better next season.
“We need to improve in communication, dynamics, strategy. Everything to do with our knowledge to improve and coordinate better.”
He emphasized the need for improvement in various areas, including communication and strategic planning, to prevent such issues in the future.
Pochettino also paid homage to Silva, the 39-year-old Brazilian defender set to depart after four years with Chelsea.“He’s an amazing guy and amazing professional,” Pochettino remarked
“Playing until nearly 40 years old is an amazing career.
“Of course the players, the fans and club are going to miss him. But he’s happy, he’s so proud of his career here at Chelsea. We wish him the best because he deserves the best.”
