Chelsea news as the Blues manager prepares his side for a huge mid-table clash against the Red Devils at Old Trafford

When Chelsea travels to Old Trafford to play Manchester United this evening, Mauricio Pochettino will have to make a number of important decisions in an effort to maintain his team’s momentum.

The Blues will have benefited greatly from their 3-2 victory over Brighton on Sunday. They held on for a crucial three points despite being reduced to ten men following a 4-1 loss to Newcastle United that should have scared them to their core the previous weekend.

The Blues manager has already made one significant choice, though, and that is to leave Romeo Lavia and Christopher Nkunku off of the matchday roster against Erik ten Hag’s team. Despite not having played for Chelsea since signing in the summer, the two are still healing from injuries they sustained earlier in the season.

Although they have been spotted practicing at Cobham in recent weeks and will soon be added to the matchday roster, Pochettino says they are not yet ready to be risked. During his press conference prior to the game, he stated: “Nkunku won’t be available. I’m hoping that [he] can play soon.

“He won’t be there tomorrow. As we usually tell you, I believe it comes down to day-by-day assessment. Occasionally, when we see a player on the field, we get excited and want to get hold of them right away.

“I believe we should exercise caution, and when the time comes, he will undoubtedly be extremely powerful. Romeo is thriving as well, although he won’t be involved, much like Christopher.”

As has been the case with the Blues this season, the near-returns are encouraging, but there is a drawback as well. Following the victory over Brighton, Lesley Ugochukwu and Noni Madueke both had minor injuries.

Lesley has a slight injury this week, according to Pochettino. “Noni post-match, after Brighton also, minor problems hope that soon they will be available to train and available for the team.”

Malo Gusto is also still questionable for the match despite being spotted in training prior to Brighton’s victory. Even with the encouraging development in his recuperation, he was left off of the team that played the Seagulls. Due to long-term injuries, defensemen Ben Chilwell, Trevoh Chalobah, and Wesley Fofana will not play in the match.

Carney Chukwuemeka’s recovery from an injury that has kept him out of the game since the season’s second encounter will also weaken the midfield. The 20-year-old scored his only goal of the year in the 3-1 loss to West Ham before being substituted injured in the first half. However, he will not be allowed to start in place of Conor Gallagher, who is suspended following his red card over the weekend.

Having stated that, football.london has examined the possible lineup for Chelsea versus Manchester United.

Goalkeepers: Rob Sanchez, Djordje Petrovic

Defenders: Axel Disasi, Thiago Silva, Benoit Badiashile, Levi Colwill, Ian Maatsen, Alfie Gilchrist, Josh Brooking, Marc Cucurella, Reece James

Midfielders: Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez

Attackers: Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson, Raheem Sterling, Mykhailo Mudryk, Armando Broja, Deivid Washington