Injured Chelsea players offer Spurs a lifeline in midweek London Derby
Tottenham Hotspur are set to face Chelsea FC in the mid-week as Ange Postecoglou’s side look to bounce back from a couple of defeats on the trot, and aiding Spurs pursuit of three points, the Blues have a few injury concerns ahead of the fixture.
The Lilywhites were on the wrong side of North London at the weekend as Arsenal persisted with their title bid by securing a win at White Hart Lane on Sunday. It was a game of two halves, as Tottenham failed to capitalize on Arsenal’s tired legs despite having two weeks off.
Meanwhile, Chelsea came back from behind to draw against Tottenham’s top-four rivals, Aston Villa, ensuring the North Londoners stay in the race for Champions League qualification despite a couple of bad results. Although there will be no favors returned in the London Derby this Thursday.
Spurs aim to exploit Chelsea’s injury woes
Mauricio Pochettino has been dealing with ample injury problems this season, as the Argentine gaffer was missing as many as ten players when the Blues played Unai Emery’s side at the weekend.
Chelsea are aiming for a few players to return when they face their London neighbors in the midweek.
One of those is Carney Chukwuemeka, who has been serving on the sidelines with a knee injury. He is expected to return for the Blues in mid-week. The former Tottenham manager termed it not a big issue, and that is what the Blue Army would be hoping for as well.
Another is Chelsea skipper Reece James, who has been having an injury-ridden campaign, with the hamstring being the most recent problem keeping him out. Chelsea are eyeing a West Ham return for James, as Tottenham should come too soon for the England international. Like James, Chelsea star Levi Colwill is also serving on the injury table. He is out with a toe injury and is also believed to be tracked for a return against the Hammers.
Speaking about Reece James and Colwill’s availability in his pre-game press conference, Mauricio Pochettino said (via. Football.London):
“No, they [James and Colwill] are not available yet. They are close.”
The Argentine continued:
“They were doing partial training with the squad. They are close, but still not available.”
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Tottenham’s Thursday opponents remain uncertain about the return dates for injured players Malo Gusto, Ben Chilwell, and Raheem Sterling.
Spurs would want to capitalize on Chelsea’s injury vows and come through with all three points in the all-important London derby.
