Mauricio Pochettino rules out senior Chelsea squad member from Manchester United game and explains reason

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino says Ben Chilwell will not be involved against Manchester United and revealed he had not seen the England international since Friday. Chilwell returned from international duty for England with a knock and missed the game against Burnley over the weekend. 

There had been quiet optimism that he could be back for the game against United but the Chelsea boss completely ruled that out. He said: “He’s home ill and will not be involved tomorrow night.” 

The Chelsea manager also explained his assistant captain had to see a specialist to have fluid taken out of his knee he said: 

“We have not seen him since Friday as he had to see a specialist to have some fluid taken out of his knee.” 

Chelsea have suffered more than 45 different injuries to players all campaign. Club captain Reece James hasn't played this year due to a hamstring surgery he took and Romeo Lavia and Wesley Fofana won’t play again this season. 

Carney Chukwuemeka who missed the last two games is also back in training even though Levi Colwill is still battling a toe problem. Robert Sanchez is also still out as well as Christopher Nkunku. 

The Blues are 12th on the league table but still have hopes of securing European football next season with their FA Cup semi-final game against Manchester City set for later this month. That could be another route to Europe if they can win it.

In more positive news the club announced Alfie Gilchrist who has made 11 appearances and started in every FA Cup game has signed a new contract at the club.