“I am not a doctor, but I will try and translate” - Pochettino confirms 2 Chelsea defenders will miss Arsenal match
Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed that two Chelsea defenders Malo Gusto and Ben Chilwell will miss their mid-week Premier League clash against Arsenal.
Pochettino has not had a good first season at Stamford Bridge after taking over from interim manager Frank Lampard in the summer. The Argentine has struggled massively because of injury issues, as the squad has thinned considerably during different periods of the campaign.
Now, with Chelsea set to play Arsenal on April 23, Pochettino has spoken to the press about the injuries still affecting his squad. The manager revealed that Gusto and Chilwell will be unavailable for the match against the Premier League table-toppers (via Football London).
"Malo suffered a minor problem on his knee. I am not a doctor, but I will try and translate it. I hope it is not a big issue. Chilly, also, after the national team, it's the same problem he's been suffering with in the last few weeks," he said.
Mauricio Pochettino won't have midfielder Cole Palmer either when they make the trip to North London to face the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium.
"Today, no [he cannot play]. We will see tomorrow morning. Today, I don't believe he can be involved. Even if he is good tomorrow, maybe he is not in a condition to play. We hope he can recover from this situation and be involved with the team," Pochettino continued.
Mauricio Pochettino discusses Chelsea's dressing room mood ahead of Arsenal clash
The Blues manager also gave the press some insight into how the Chelsea dressing room was fairing after they lost to Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final on April 20.
He said (via Football London):
"The mood is good. We played a very good game, we played so well against a team that is one of the best in the world. Our performance was really good, very positive things we need to take. We conceded a goal we shouldn't concede but that is part of football."
He also discussed Arsenal, who are currently sitting at the top of the table, after getting knocked out from the UEFA Champions League in the quarterfinal stages. He revealed that Chelsea would need time to get to the Gunners' level.
"We are confident in one day getting the same level, of course. We are positive and always in football the most important thing is to believe. Arsenal a few years ago, they were in a different situation than today. But in time, with confidence and trust in him [Arteta], they are there. Here, it is not a different thing," Pochettino continued.
Chelsea currently sit in ninth place on the league table, having won just 10 out of 31 games. However, things might be looking up at the business end of the season for them as they have had a consecutive run of eight games without a loss in the Premier League.