Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has shared insights into his recent team selection decisions and provided an update on the fitness of forward Raheem Sterling ahead of Monday's match against Everton.
At the Bridge, Chelsea faces Everton following a series of varied outcomes: a thrilling 4-3 victory over European rivals Manchester United, followed closely by a draw against Sheffield United.
In the recent match at Bramall Lane, Pochettino granted Noni Madueke an opportunity to shine, and the winger delivered a stellar performance, highlighted by a remarkable individual goal.
Conversely, Raheem Sterling and Mykhailo Mudryk, each having started two games in Chelsea's last four matches, found themselves on the bench against Sheffield United. This decision underscores the intense competition for positions in Pochettino's squad, particularly in wide roles.
Pochettino emphasized that such decisions aren't solely based on a player's performance in a single game, but rather on a range of factors carefully considered by him and his coaching staff.
We evaluate all aspects of the players' performances, including their training and overall contribution,' explained Pochettino. 'Fairness is crucial to us. That's why we gave Noni Madueke the chance to play against Sheffield United.
We also adjusted the lineup, positioning Cole Palmer differently to maintain team balance, with Conor Gallagher on the left.
Our decisions stem from thorough assessments of player form and daily training observations. Ultimately, it's about selecting the best fit for the team. Performance and consistency are key factors in determining who gets the nod. While we're competitive, supporting each other is vital because we possess more than enough talent to secure victories.
Pochettino is grappling with a significant injury roster, as confirmed in Friday's update from Cobham, indicating that Enzo Fernandez and Axel Disasi are currently undergoing medical evaluations.
Additionally, Sterling's status for the Everton match remains uncertain. Pochettino elaborated on the situation, stating, 'He reported experiencing vomiting to the doctor. Following our match against Sheffield, he missed training at the beginning of the week due to a back issue. However, we'll need to assess him further to determine if it's related to a virus or not.
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