Mauricio Pochettino expressed concern over Reece James’ recent hamstring injury, hoping it won’t be a severe setback. Following Chelsea’s 2-0 loss to Everton, Pochettino emphasized the need for additional players in January despite the club’s substantial £435 million summer spending. The team, currently 12th in the Premier League, has struggled, winning only one of their last five games, prompting Pochettino to underscore the necessity for goal-scoring reinforcements.
“We’ll assess things after the first half of the season. If our goal tally isn’t sufficient, adjustments may be needed,” Pochettino stated post-Everton defeat. Collaborating with athletic coaches, he aims to enhance performance in the latter part of the season. Pochettino stressed the urgency to act decisively, with a comprehensive evaluation planned before the January transfer window opens, though he remains uncertain about requesting more or fewer players.
The situation exacerbated when goalkeeper Robert Sanchez and left back Marc Cucurella exited the game due to injuries. Sanchez’s knee issue, stemming from a prior problem at Manchester United, led to his substitution. Pochettino expressed hope that Sanchez’s concern isn’t severe. Cucurella, who suffered a hip injury, faced a similar fate, with Pochettino emphasizing the team’s struggle to cope with such setbacks, particularly for a young squad attempting to establish cohesion.
“These circumstances have been constant since the beginning, proving challenging for a youthful team aspiring to build a solid foundation,” Pochettino lamented. The uncertainties surrounding player availability and injuries have added complexity to Chelsea’s season, prompting Pochettino to seek solutions and reinforcements as they navigate the demanding Premier League campaign.
