Mauricio Pochettino provides triple Chelsea injury update and reveals Moises Caicedo concern

Mauricio Pochettino provides triple Chelsea injury update and reveals Moises Caicedo concern.

Mauricio Pochettino could be without some big names when Chelsea lock horns with Newcastle this weekend

Mauricio Pochettino has provided an injury update on Levi Colwil, Romeo Lavia and Christopher Nkunku, while also revealing a potential issue with Moises Caicedo. Newcastle will welcome Chelsea to St. James’ park on Saturday afternoon as either side looks to climb the Premier League table over the busy festive period.

Colwill was named in the England squad for the November international break, but the 20-year-old defender pulled out due to a shoulder issue. Lavia has been nursing an ankle problem since he joined the Blues in the summer, while Nkunku enters the final stages of rehabilitation after suffering a knee injury during pre-season.

Ahead of what is expected to be a difficult clash in Tyneside this weekend, Pochettino issued an update on the trio. When asked who is available, the 51-year-old replied: “Colwill, yes. Lavia and Nkunku still out.

“It’s difficult to assess them. They are in a good condition. Nkunku a little ahead of Lavia. Doing things with the group last week, still not full recovery.”

Then, when asked to confirm whether everyone has returned from international duty, Pochettino replied: “Today was the last one, Moises Caicedo. Now we need to assess.

“They already know the starting eleven for tomorrow. I’m not going to make public. All arrive in a normal condition. Already picked the starting eleven. I will give to you tomorrow.”

Later in the press conference, Pochettino was asked for updates on Wesley Fofana, who’s recently returned to first-team training, and Reece James, who’s nursing a muscle issue. On the Frenchman, the Chelsea boss said: “Yes it was nice to see [back on the grass]. For him it was a massive motivation to be there and for us also.”

On the England international, Pochettino added: “We’ll see. He’s doing well, he’s at a very good level. Now you know one player that is going to play.”

Chelsea head into the clash off the back of an exciting eight-goal thriller against Manchester City, while Newcastle are still licking their wounds after a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth on the south coast. When asked about Eddie Howe, Pochettino heaped tremendous praise on his opposite number.

“When we arrived to Southampton he was at Bournemouth and I think he’s doing a great job,” said the Blues boss. “Great manager, one of the best coaches in England. Need to remember he arrived when Newcastle was bottom and look where Newcastle is.

“We know very well they are doing a fantastic job, Eddie is still young but with experience, one of the most talented coaches in Europe.”