The Premier League is back after nearly two weeks of digesting the madness of a 4-4 draw between Chelsea and Manchester City. Things aren’t going to be easy either, with Liverpool and City meeting in the first game of the weekend and Newcastle hosting the Blues just hours later.
In a game that many would describe as epitomising the league’s growing commercialisation, globalisation, and the ethical, moral, and financial problems that come hand-in-hand with that, it is currently contested by two of the most injury-plagued teams in the league.
Eddie Howe’s side could be missing up to 12 players for the match, while Chelsea are still dealing with problems. Due to consistent knocks and setbacks, five first-team players, for example, have yet to see any league action this season.
The most visible of these is Christopher Nkunku, who is working his way towards a competitive debut for the club, but he is unlikely to be involved in the game at St James’ Park. Mauricio Pochettino revealed before the international break that the Frenchman was pushing to play, but the Blues are being cautious with him after three serious injuries in the last 18 months.
“We had some conversation and he said to me, ‘Coach, I want to be ready for after the international break, Newcastle’.” Pochettino commented on their conversation. “I asked him yesterday, and he said ‘hmmm,’ to which I replied, ‘you are a liar.'” ‘No, no, I’m ready,’ she says. It’s getting close, and he’s doing fantastically well. We are very pleased with him and his recovery; he is very professional.”
Nkunku has taken another step toward playing as his integration into the squad progressed with some team training activities as the group reassembled late this week. Romeo Lavia has joined him in this process and has yet to play, but will aim for a similar early-December appearance.
“Romeo Lavia is also close,” the manager said ahead of the match against City. “They practiced on the field today.” I hope to be involved with the team next week and see what happens. Determine when it is possible to play with the team on a daily basis.”
Benoit Badiashile has now played after starting the cup tie against Blackburn, but he has yet to play any league minutes. He’s back in the matchday squad, which is a good sign, but it’s unclear how prepared he’d be to be thrown into the chaos of the north east.
Wesley Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah are working hard to improve their fitness during their rehabilitation, but neither is expected to return until at least the new year. After coming close to leaving the club on deadline day in the summer, the latter is more likely to leave in January. Fofana is a long-term injury concern who will be lucky to play before the season’s end.
Although there have been a few returns in recent weeks, that is the group that has participated in the campaign thus far. Reece James was given an additional 10 days to recover from his injury after turning down the invitation to travel with England. The 23-year-old made a courageous decision, and while his spot in Gareth Southgate’s squad is far from assured, it is impressive that he is committed to his team and has avoided yet another rebound injury.
Two weeks ago, the England manager stated, “I was hoping to call up Reece James but he doesn’t feel he’s quite ready.” “I am aware that he has had several injuries, and his recovery has been difficult. In that regard, he’s probably a little cautious, but I can understand why.
“We have faith in what he can accomplish.” We did talk about [reporting for duty to attend team meetings], and he was very clear: “Look, I don’t want you to think I don’t want to be there.”
“We had a really good long conversation and message exchange after that.” However, I am very understanding. You can see his injury history, including the number of matches and phases. So we’re all aware that we need a fit Reece who can play consecutive games.”
He will almost certainly start against Newcastle, but Malo Gusto has already proven his worth as a solid backup. He is a doubt for this game after pulling out of France’s Under-21 team under Thierry Henry due to a niggle. Gusto did, however, participate in training this week and may have recovered in time to keep his spot.
Levi Colwill was another who received a call from England but was removed from the group. He injured his shoulder in training ahead of the Manchester City game and was subsequently left out of the matchday squad at Stamford Bridge. football.london understands it was only a minor injury for the 20-year-old, and the rest should have healed him.
Conor Gallagher is one person who did not get that opportunity. Under Pochettino, he started every league game and two of the three cup matches and was named by Southgate for Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia despite entering with some discomfort.
“He has tremendous drive,” Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate said ahead of the 2-0 win over Malta. “This week was one of my favorites. He arrived with a knock from the weekend, but he walked through the door, saying, “It’s a little sore, but I’ll be fine for Friday.”
“There was no way he was going home; he was going to give himself every chance.” He wasn’t able to train for the first few days, but he was determined to be available, and that, in a nutshell, is what will be one of his greatest strengths, allowing him to achieve everything he could in the game because his mentality is outstanding.”
Gallagher played the first half of his side’s performance at Wembley before being hauled off. He did not, however, play on the concerningly poor pitch in the second game, which had some worried about their safety in a rock solid outfield.
Cole Palmer also represented his country, coming off the bench twice. He has now returned to Cobham, where he intends to be at the heart of events in Newcastle on Saturday.
Carney Chukwuemeka is working to return, but his progress has been hampered by a setback. There is no current timetable for him, and Ben Chilwell appears to be out until closer to the New Year, with no new information on the left-back.
On Friday, Pochettino will provide an update on the availability of his squad.
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