Chelsea have listed seven names on their weekly release of injured players.
The Blues are currently preparing for Saturday afternoon’s Premier League fixture at home to Brentford, but they’ll be without seven first-team stars.
In fairness, the individuals listed are all long-term absentees. Therefore, it’s a relief to hear there’s been no fresh problems this week during training at Cobham.
Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino will speak at 1pm today in his pre-match press conference to provide all the finer details.
Chelsea injuries for Brentford
Chelsea confirmed via their official website at midday the list of injured players unavailable to face Brentford at Stamford Bridge.
Armando Broja, Trevoh Chalobah, Ben Chilwell, Carney Chukwuemeka, Wesley Fofana, Romeo Lavia and Christopher Nkunku remain out on the treatment table.
The club posted: “Armando Broja – being treated for irritation on the knee.
“Trevoh Chalobah – continuing to undergo his rehabilitation programme.
“Ben Chilwell – continuing to undergo his rehabilitation programme.
“Carney Chukwuemeka – continuing to undergo his rehabilitation programme.
“Wesley Fofana – continuing to undergo his rehabilitation programme.
“Romeo Lavia – continuing to undergo his rehabilitation programme.
“Christopher Nkunku – continuing to undergo his rehabilitation programme.”
Selection dilemmas
The starting XI that started last weekend’s 2-2 draw against Arsenal performed superbly well, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the same formula will work against Brentford.
Blues striker Nicolas Jackson, who came off the bench versus the Gunners, is an option for if Chelsea want to return to using an out-and-out No 9. The Chelsea Chronicle has argued that 22-year-old forward Jackson should be promoted to the stating line-up against Brentford.
With Broja’s absence confirmed above, Jackson’s the only recognised striker available in the squad tomorrow.
Elsewhere, will Reece James be ready to return to the XI? If so, who drops out and will there be a complete reshuffle of the defence?
