‘Surprised but not surprised’
Mauricio Pochettino has taken aim at England after revealing that Ben Chilwell was a doubt for this weekend’s game.
Chilwell was involved in the majority of the Three Lions’ two friendlies against Brazil and Belgium, playing the full 90 in the second game.
During his press conference ahead of his side’s game against Burnley, Pochettino admitted that the left back was a doubt for the fixture and in an ideal world, would’ve preferred to see him eased back into action.
“Surprised, not surprised, I don’t know. If he cannot play with us or be available, because he didn’t play after Brentford with us. He played a few minutes against Leicester. He started two games,” the Blues boss said.
“It’s a surprise for us. But it’s bad luck because he got a dead leg in the last moment of the game against Belgium.”
Palmer set to be fit for weekend fixture
Cole Palmer and Conor Gallagher were also away with England. While Gallagher featured Palmer wasn’t involved in either of the games after picking up an injury that saw him train on his own individual programme.
There were fears that he may not be ready to return to action but reports suggested that he tried upon his return to Chelsea on Wednesday and Pochettino was confident he would be available.
Pochettino said: “Yes, he is a little bit disappointed because he couldn’t play or perform with the national team. He had a small problem for the first game and thought he could play the second game. He is OK and training well.
“I think the plan is if he trains in the same way, he will be available for the game on Saturday.”
Related links:
- Ex-Chelsea star ‘files for divorce’ after discovering children he raised for 16 years are not his
- Todd Boehly to replaced as Chelsea chairman in 2027
- Chelsea facing ‘severe’ points deduction if found guilty of breaching FFP
