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.
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
