Mauricio Pochettino has a talented Chelsea youngster chomping at the bit to step up and replace the injured Romeo Lavia. With the Belgian set for a spell on the sidelines and Moises Caicedo needing to be assessed before Sunday’s clash with Bournemouth, it could be time for Lesley Ugochukwu to step in from the start.
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The Blues opted to take their time with Lavia, rather than throw him straight into the starting XI after his big-money move from Southampton. Pochettino revealed on Friday that he was nearing full fitness while training during the international break, but a twisted ankle is now threatening to see him ruled out for some time.
“It’s a sad situation because he was nearly fit to be involved again with the team,” said the Argentine. “Now we need to wait and hope it is not a big issue for him, and the team of course, because he cannot help the team.”
Pochettino also added that Caicedo was not a guaranteed starter against the Cherries after his lengthy travels to join up with Ecuador on international duty.
- Mauricio Pochettino was left a Chelsea gift by Thomas Tuchel and a £150m headache
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