Chelsea's Injury Woes Worsen: Mykhailo Mudryk Adds to Casualty List

 Chelsea's Injury Woes Worsen: Mykhailo Mudryk Adds to Casualty List

Chelsea's Injury Woes Worsen: Mykhailo Mudryk Adds to Casualty List(Image-Getty)

Mykhailo Mudryk has become the latest casualty in a growing list of injuries plaguing Chelsea, as the Ukrainian forward sustained an injury during a training session. Manager Mauricio Pochettino revealed this news on Thursday, shedding light on the team's mounting injury challenges.

The woes for Chelsea began early in the season with multiple injury setbacks. Captain Reece James suffered a hamstring injury on the opening day, while Christopher Nkunku required knee surgery due to his condition.

Having been acquired for an initial transfer fee of 70 million euros ($75.78 million) in January, Mudryk now joins a list of eight other sidelined players. However, the club has not disclosed the specifics of his injury.

Pochettino conveyed, "He won't be available for tomorrow. He is a player we hope to help perform in the way we believe he can perform." The manager addressed reporters before the upcoming home match against Luton Town on Friday, indicating that the injury is not a major concern, and a week or perhaps a few days of patience are necessary.

In a previous game against West Ham, Carney Chukwuemeka scored a goal but was forced off the field due to injury in the 3-1 defeat. The 19-year-old underwent knee surgery, but the manager provided a more optimistic recovery timeframe than initially anticipated. Pochettino mentioned, "It is not an issue for months, maybe weeks."

Acknowledging the unfortunate string of injuries, Pochettino commented, "I think it is a bit unlucky in some issues like with Carney on Sunday. That is football. It is true, a little bit unlucky with many of the injuries, but I am positive."

The list of injuries also includes Wesley Fofana, Armando Broja, and Benoit Badiashile. Pochettino attributed most of these cases to "bad luck." He explained, "Nkunku and Carney or Fofana. How can you control? It's not about training or methodology. It sometimes happens." He acknowledged the varying factors that contribute to injuries and cited "bad luck" as a common factor in cases like Carney, Broja, Fofana, and Nkunku.

Given the extensive injury concerns, Pochettino addressed the potential for new player acquisitions. He emphasized, "We need at least one keeper. We have very talented young keepers but they need time." He also discussed the possibility of bringing in an offensive player, emphasizing that any new signings would need to align with the team's profile and not hinder the progress of young talents.

Amidst the challenges, there was some positive news for Chelsea, as Moises Caicedo, the British record signing, could make his first start for the club. However, midfielder Romeo Lavia, signed from Southampton, might need more time before being fully integrated into the team. Pochettino shared, "Mo (Caicedo) yes, is ready to start. Lavia no. He needs a few weeks to be ready to be involved with the team."