Chelsea’s performance this season has been discussed several times. With the season coming to an end, the club has yet to gain a winning momentum. The manager, Mauricio Pochettino, has been quiet despite the team’s poor performances.
There could be many reasons for Chelsea’s struggles, but injuries may be one of them. Before facing Burnley this weekend, Pochettino provided a quick update about Reece James and Christopher Nkunku in the press conference.
Mauricio Pochettino provides Reece James injury update
Reece James has been a standout player for Chelsea in recent seasons. After delivering impressive performances on the field, he was appointed as the team’s captain under the new manager, Mauricio Pochettino. Eager to take on this added responsibility, he was prepared to lead his team at Stamford Bridge.
However, unexpected events unfolded, and James suffered a serious hamstring injury, which forced him to be sidelined from the team. James underwent surgery for his injury and is currently undergoing a rehabilitation program at the club.
Mauricio Pochettino admits he has no idea when Reece James or Christopher Nkunku will be back. He doesn't know if James will play again this season. #Chelsea
— Blue Season News (@YourBlueSeason) March 29, 2024
[@NizaarKinsella] pic.twitter.com/vmLUiiNbaV
His return was quite possible until the end of the season, but last night, Pochettino updated everyone on James saying, “I don’t know if he will play again this season, I don’t want to make predictions now.”
Mauricio Pochettino unsure of Christopher Nkunku’s return
Christopher Nkunku, a highly talented footballer, was anticipated to join Chelsea from the current season. Seen as a key player alongside Reece James, Nkunku was expected to showcase his exceptional skills.
Unfortunately, Nkunku’s persistent injury issues disrupted his season. Despite making a few appearances and scoring two goals for the club, he faced another setback and was sidelined once again due to injury.
🚨🔵 Pochettino on Nkunku’s injury: “He’s not available for tomorrow. We have to be cautious. Hope it's not a long period. He is not training, he is recovering. It's not a big issue”.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 8, 2024
“It's not related with previous injury, it's a different problem. Small issue in hip”. pic.twitter.com/gmw5QRYLpN
Following his absence for a long time from the match day squads, Pochettino provided updates on him as well. The manager said, “We hope yes but we will see week by week for Reece James and Christopher Nkunku, we don’t have precise game for return yet.”
From the given statement it is evident that both the players are taking much longer to recover than it is expected. Pochettino feels helpless as of now and trying his level best to provide excellent performances on the ground.
With Chelsea crumbling without their key players, will it be another season of disappointment for them, or will the players join the team before the season ends and help their team to at least grab a respectable position on the points table?
