'In a few weeks': Mauricio Pochettino rules out 19-year-old from Everton game but hints of imminent return

Mauricio Pochettino says midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu will not be involved again this weekend but hinted his return was just a matter of weeks now in his latest injury update. 

The 19-year-old has missed 20 games in 109 days due to a hamstring injury. His absence and other injuries to key players have left the team short in midfield with Enzo Fernandez now also a doubt for Monday night’s game. 

Before arriving at Chelsea, the 19-year-old has made 47 Ligue 1 appearances for Rennes and had also featured in the Europa League. But competition for places and injuries have meant he's only managed just 10 games so far. 

Chelsea boss Pochettino admitted he was doing well even though Monday night’s game will come too soon for him. He told reporters: “He is doing his recovery. We will see in a few weeks if he can be part of the training session.” 

Chelsea have suffered 55 injuries across players this campaign with Axel Disasi, who has been fit so far when others have broken the latest to be added to the list of injured players. Pochettino the number of players who have been injured was alarming and hinted he needed to take 

He added: “It's true that it's a special season for us because we are suffering a lot. People is waiting for me to talk in the press conference because they know they are going to talk about that. 

“We need to accept the reality and be positive with the players we have. Yes, we need to accept the situation and be positive. If something happens, we need to take the positives, having the possibility to train with the young guys from the academy.” 

There is some good news though with Cole Palmer who came off at half time against Sheffield United escaping injury and will be fit for the game on Monday night. Pochettino’s side have won every league game played on a Monday night.