Mauricio Pochettino shares double Chelsea injury update for West Ham clash
Mauricio Pochettino has issued updates on the fitness of his squad as West Ham United prepare to take on Chelsea on Sunday (5 May).
David Moyes takes his side across London for the clash at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku and Levi Colwill nearing returns.
Pochettino – whose side take on Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday night (2 May) – said in quotes reported by The Athletic (1 May): “They trained on Wednesday, they are nearly there.
“They are on the line, but they don’t cross the line.
“We hope on Sunday they will cross the line for West Ham.”
Chelsea are without 14 first-team players for their midweek meeting with Tottenham.
A win for the Blues would see them leapfrog the Irons, though both sides hold a slim mathematical chance of reaching the top six.
The Hammers won the reverse fixture 3-1 at the London Stadium back in August as Michail Antonio, Nayef Aguerd and Lucas Paqueta all found the net.
Moyes will address the media later this week regarding the fitness of several of his players, including key defender Konstantinos Mavropanos.
Can West Ham win at Stamford Bridge?
West Ham United showed all the capabilities early in the campaign that they have what it takes to beat an erratic Chelsea side and will be confident of doing the same against their rivals this weekend.
Pochettino has been dealt a poor hand this season with injuries but the vast sums they have spent on the squad means there has been justifiable criticism aimed at the Argentine coach at times this season.
Cole Palmer’s absence in their heavy defeat at Arsenal through illness summed up their reliance on their talisman this term.
To stop Palmer, the Hammers will have done half the job and Pochettino knows that.
However, the likes of Conor Gallagher have supplemented Palmer in recent weeks and Moyes will be wary of the alternative threats this side have to deal with.
With other performers such as Malo Gusto and Axel Disasi also expected to miss the all-London clash, West Ham must be fearless as they look to take advantage.
In other West Ham news, the club could be looking for a new full-back from Spain.
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