In yesterday’s pre-match press conference, Mauricio Pochettino revealed that Armando Broja was not yet fit to start a game for the club.
This is despite him returning to the pitch for the first time in over nine months at the weekend, off the back of a serious knee injury.
His return was described by the manager as the only positive of the afternoon, with a 10-man Chelsea losing at home to Aston Villa.
Despite him getting back amongst things, Pochettino has made it clear that he won’t start tonight’s game as he continues getting back to match fitness.
Nicolas Jackson is available despite picking up his fifth yellow card of the season already at the weekend, with him now banned for the next Premier League game.
However, with him being an ever-present so far for the club, the Argentine will surely look to the next 10 days as the perfect opportunity to give him the rest he needs.
Washington handed huge opportunity
Because of those, the next two games provide a perfect opportunity for Deivid Washington to stake his claim.
The young Brazilian has been involved in a number of matchday squads already, despite being yet to feature for Pochettino’s side.
He even made the bench for this weekend’s defeat despite having featured for the U21 side just two days prior.
Washington found the net that day and looked really promising, and this has likely not gone unnoticed by the manager.
The striker position is one that has been notably weak this season, with them really struggling to score at a regular rate.
While it is tough to imagine that an 18-year-old will be the answer, he could be handed his chance to prove himself over the next 10 days.
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