Mauricio Pochettino calls on Chelsea to address season-long injury crisis as problems mount again | OneFootball

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Mauricio Pochettino admits Chelsea need to improve after seeing his injury list grow to 14 players ahead of Tottenham's visit to Stamford Bridge.

Thiago Silva and Axel Disasi have joined a huge group of players on the treatment table, as no first-team stars are expected to return for Thursday’s match.

Christopher Nkunku and Levi Colwill are nearing their returns, but it is unclear whether they will make the squad.

Reece James, Enzo Fernandez, Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell are among senior players on the sidelines.

“Okay, not good news because we cannot recover any players from the last list, and we have to add two more players, Thiago and Disasi; they will not be available for tomorrow.

He added: “We have a big challenge against a great team like Tottenham. It’s good. It is going to be a great game.

“It’s a good chance for some kids to be on the bench and to have the possibility to maybe play. When this opportunity appears, it is about saying to the kids that this is about being here and playing in the first team for Chelsea.

“For sure, tomorrow is going to be a great game.”

Silva may have played his last game for the club after announcing his exit on Monday.

“He is an amazing guy and professional,” Pochettino added. “It is an amazing career. Of course, the players, fans and club will miss him.

“But he is happy and so proud of his career at Chelsea. We only wish him the best because he deserves the best.”

The Blues are still in contention to qualify for either the Europa League or Conference League, but they have just five games remaining to close the gap on Manchester United and Newcastle.

Pochettino admits the club will need to improve on their dismal fitness record this season with his efforts to qualify for Europe undermined by injuries.

Silva will leave Chelsea this season - and may have already played his final game for the club

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He continued: “I need to be honest. Always in a new process and structure. There are always things we can do better.

“We all feel the responsibility. We can all do better. Some circumstances are difficult to explain why, and it is difficult in one sentence.

“Of course, we are working to try to improve. We have wonderful medical staff with experience of managing clubs and being in this business. But when too many circumstances arrive.

“Sometimes, in some period, we need to put some formation on the table to be better in communication, dynamics, and strategy, to combine all our knowledge and coordinate what we can improve.”