Chelsea vs Sheffield United team news as Mauricio Pochettino confirms 21y/o could benefit from latest blow

Ian Maatsen could benefit from injuries to Reece James and Marc Cucurella as he looks to break into the Chelsea team this weekend. Mauricio Pochettino's side will be without nine players and Maatsen, who helped Burnley back to the Premier League last season could be one of the players who the manager calls on for the game against Sheffield United. 

He is yet to start a league match this campaign despite turning down an opportunity to leave on Transfer Deadline Day and Pochettino admits he's been impressed by his attitude and character. The Chelsea boss said ahead of the game against Sheffield United: "He is a player in our squad, a great kid, the quality to play in different positions. It's about giving time to him. He came from Burnley to play. To perform in Chelsea, with all respect, is not the same and the competition is different."

The 51-year-old former Southampton and Tottenham manager also confirmed French forward Christopher Nkunku would be in the squad for the first time this season. Nkunku scored three goals in pre-season before his injury and the manager admitted having him available again was good news. 

He added: "Yes, can be involved. That is very good news. To be involved tomorrow and be in the squad and to feel the competition after the pre-season is good news for us. We need to be calm and quiet so as not to put all the pressure on him." 

Chelsea are vying to win successive Premier League home fixtures for the first time since a run of three from August to October last year.