‘Was a bit tired’: Mauricio Pochettino admits 23-year-old Chelsea player was struggling vs Newcastle
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has admitted one of his players was feeling it a bit towards the end of their last game.
He claimed in his pre-match press conference that Reece James was struggling when he picked up his second yellow card in the second half against Newcastle.
James apologised to Chelsea supporters for his part in the heavy defeat last week, with him not covering himself in glory with two foolish yellow cards.
Pochettino admitted after the game that he was disappointed in the club captain, with him fighting for his place after returning from injury.
Malo Gusto looks set to be unavailable for this weekend’s game against Brighton due to injury, and James’ suspension has left the manager with a real conundrum over what to do in that position on Sunday.
Marc Cucurella, who has also featured there at times this season, is also suspended and will not be able to face his former side.
Pochettino on James
Pochettino has now hinted though that James is still struggling to complete 90 minutes after his return from injury.
He said: “Of course, it’s part of the process. Too many times he was injured but he was a bit tired when he got the second yellow card.
“Of course he realises it’s far away from his best condition. He feels sorry about the situation. It was tough for him and tough for the team.”
With no James or Gusto, Pochettino will likely look to Axel Disasi to feature out of position and play on the right of a back four.
He could be up against one of the biggest tests any defender faces when he looks to clamp down Kaoru Mitoma.
from Breaking Chelsea News and Updates - The Chelsea Chronicle https://ift.tt/j4e5MnS
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