Christopher Nkunku and Romeo Lavia Spotted in Training
The countdown to Chelsea’s Premier League matchup with Newcastle is well under way, even though the international break is still ongoing. On Saturday, the Blues travel to St. James’ Park with the intention of building on their two thrilling achievements over Manchester City and Tottenham.
Stars like Conor Gallagher and Cole Palmer have had to be left out of Mauricio Pochettino’s training; however, a smaller group will be available for the first week of the break. Nonetheless, the Blues manager has benefited from working with skipper Reece James, who chose not to play for England in an effort to continue his recuperation from injury.
Those who did not travel with their national teams had time to rest, but on Monday they returned to action at Cobham in preparation for a vital game against a west London team looking to move up from 10th place in the league. What may be inferred from the club’s media announcements about the sessions is examined by football.london.
Christopher Nkunku and Romeo Lavia were spotted
In order to complete their comebacks, Pochettino stated that while there was hope the two may be part of Chelsea’s plans after the international break, they would be watched “day by day.” Prior to Chelsea’s match against Man City, the two collaborated on the training fields, but they were not present in the images and videos that the Blues released during the first week of the Premier League break.
On Monday night, though, Christopher Nkunku and Romeo Lavia were both shown together, sprinting beneath the floodlights at Chelsea’s Cobham training facility. Their continued separation from the rest of the group suggests that a comeback against Newcastle is improbable, but it is still important to keep an eye on their development this week.
Maybe that shouldn’t be shocking after Pochettino’s most recent exchange with Nkunku. “Coach, I want to be ready for after international break, Newcastle,” he stated to me during our conversation, the Blues manager clarified. When I asked him yesterday, he muttered, “Hmm,” to which I replied, “You are a liar.” “No, no, I’m prepared.”
He is doing quite well, and it is close. We are quite pleased with him and his excellent recovery. Romeo Lavia is not far behind. On the field, they practised today. I hope to work with the team next week and see what happens afterwards. See when you may play with the team day by day.”
Thiago Silva is back.
One person who was back in action following his time in his native country last week was Thiago Silva. Before playing some ballwork with the rest of the team later in the day, the Brazilian was seen working out in the gym with Raheem Sterling.
If Silva plays against Newcastle as anticipated, he will tie the record for the oldest outfield player in Chelsea history. a fantastic record after becoming the Blues’ oldest goal scorer the previous game.
Injury boosts
Nkunku and Lavia’s rates of recuperation are yet unknown, but Chelsea’s defence does seem to have benefited from a double injury boost. Pochettino appears to have two more candidates for the team before Axel Disasi returns from his duty in France, even if his backline already includes players who haven’t played for their nations: Marc Cucurella, Thiago Silva, Reece James, and Benoit Badiashile.
Due to injury, Malo Gusto and Levi Colwill were removed from the Franced under-21 team and the England under-21 squad, respectively. Due to a shoulder ailment, Colwill was unable to play for Chelsea against Manchester City, and Gusto’s scan with Les Bleus revealed a knee problem. On Monday, though, both players were active. Gusto was seen dribbling during a drill, and his teammate was seen sliding across the court in a rondo.
Youngsters spotted
Because of the amount of injuries on Chelsea’s roster, Pochettino has largely depended on the academy to assist with session facilitation this season. In addition to his senior players, the 51-year-old head coach has had the chance to get to know members of the development squad and under-18s who haven’t been called up for international action during international holidays.
Alfie Gilchrist and Alex Matos, among others, began training last week. In advance of a friendly match, the under-18 team exercised alongside the senior team. The youthful influence continued on Monday, with appearances by Travis Akomeah and Jimmy-Jay Morgan among others.
In his ten games with the development team, the latter has scored three goals. The 17-year-old frequently plays up front with Ronnie Stutter. Having played for the under-21 teams the previous season before suffering an injury, Akomeah has been a regular fixture in the centre of the defence for the under-18 team.