Chelsea’s ever-increasing injury crisis means there will be “great opportunity for some kids” to play against Tottenham tomorrow night, according to Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino.
Chelsea have 14 senior players absent, with Thiago Silva and Axel Disasi the latest to be added to the list following Saturday’s pulsating 2-2 draw at Aston Villa.
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The likes of Ted Curd, Josh Acheampong, Tyrique George and Kiano Dyer were on the bench at Villa Park and they will again be utilised against Ange Postecoglou’s men.
Pochettino said: “Of course every single game is a challenge for us.
“Tomorrow we have a big challenge against a great team like Tottenham. I think it is going to be good, going to be a nice game to play and great opportunity for some kids to be on the bench and [have the] possibility to play.
“When the opportunity appears it is about being conscious, stepping up and being here and wanting to play for Chelsea.”
🚨 An injury update has been issued ahead of the Spurs game tomorrow.
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 1, 2024
It has been a difficult first season at Chelsea for Pochettino as he attempts to blend an expensively assembled new squad into a cohesive unit.
The results have been mixed, as evidenced by their position of ninth in the Premier League.
The Argentine is still relishing life at Chelsea, however, as he prepares for his 400th game as a manager in England after stints at Southampton and Spurs.
He added: “Amazing, a dream come true.
“It was always my thought that it would be impossible to come here and manage in the Premier League, but my wife and friend convinced me to come over to Southampton and it was hard but was one of my best decisions in life to come here to one of the best footballing countries in the world.
“I feel comfortable, it is like home.
“Every single period was an amazing challenge for us. To arrive at Southampton when no-one knows us, to convince players and translate my ideas. It was before Pep [Guardiola] and [Jurgen] Klopp, it was only Brendan [Rogers] that was trying to set different football.
“Tottenham was amazing also because the challenge was to create a team that could challenge and compete with top sides. We were challenging big teams for nearly six years, being in the final of the Champions League, building a new stadium and team – it was an amazing challenge and time.
“Now, arriving at Chelsea, it is an amazing club with an amazing history. It is in the process of building an exciting project that needs time and that is maybe the most challenging period.”
👋 A day in the life of @NoniMadueke_ as we get prepared for Spurs in the #PL. 🧠@trivago pic.twitter.com/pmTQrfL1Z4
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 30, 2024
Pochettino also took time to pay tribute to defender Thiago Silva, who announced on Monday he would be leaving the club at the end of the season.
“He is amazing guy and amazing professional,” said Pochettino of the Brazilian.
“We are not going to discover the type of player that at nearly 40 years old is still playing like him, an amazing career.
“The players, the fans, the club is going to miss him. He is happy, he is so proud of his career here at Chelsea and other clubs. I only wish the best because he deserves the best.”