Early Chelsea boost as Mauricio Pochettino confirms 22y/o will start in Bournemouth game

Chelsea will take on Bournemouth later today in need of three points having only won one of their first four games of the 2023/2024 Premier League campaign.

Mauricio Pochettino hasn't won any of his last 13 away Premier League games dating from his last days at Tottenham and has already lost away to West Ham this season. His only win in the league has come against newly promoted side Luton Town and will take on the Cherries in need of a win to ease the pressure.

Bournemouth themselves are still waiting for their first win of the season but Pochettino confirmed his record midfielder Enzo Fernandez who scored over the weekend for Argentina is in line to start after returning from the international break on Friday.

He told reporters ahead of the Cherries game: “We saw them today and I think he is good, he scored against Bolivia and I feel he will be ready to start.”

While there is positive news for Fernandez, Pochettino appeared to hold his cards close to his chest when he was asked about fellow South American midfielder Moises Caicedo. He said he would have to take a look at him before making up his mind.

He added: “Caicedo arrived a bit later than him and we will have to assess him and then make a decision.”

On more injury news Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia is ruled out with an ankle injury sustained during training.

Club captain Reece James, Armando Broja and Benoit Badiashile are nearing returns but will not be involved this weekend.

While Bournemouth’s summer signing Alex Scott is still a few weeks away from making his debut.