Chelsea Football Club head coach, Mauricio Pochettino addressed the media at the Cobham training ground in preparation for the Blues’ upcoming FA Cup semi-final clash against Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on Saturday evening.
The match holds significant importance for both Pochettino and Chelsea as they aim to conclude what has been a season of mixed fortunes on a high note.
Christopher Nkunku, who has been sidelined with a hamstring injury, has returned to partial team training ahead of the crucial fixture.
His potential availability provides a boost to Chelsea’s squad as they seek to secure a place in the final, having previously played at Wembley earlier in the season during the Carabao Cup final.
In addition to Nkunku, goalkeeper Robert Sanchez has also participated in partial team training following his recent absence.
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However, Chelsea continues to monitor the rehabilitation progress of Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Reece James, Romeo Lavia, and Lesley Ugochukwu, who are undergoing their respective recovery programs.
Pochettino’s Update on Nkunku.
Pochettino provided an update on Nkunku’s fitness during his pre-match press conference, stating that the player’s involvement in training sessions has been assessed day by day, with recent progress suggesting a potential return to action.
Chelsea enters the FA Cup semi-final with confidence following their dominant 6-0 victory over Everton, while Manchester City faced a grueling 120-minute battle against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals, ultimately exiting the competition on penalties.
The demanding midweek fixture may influence Pep Guardiola’s team selection, particularly considering the late substitutions of key players Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne.
The upcoming encounter between Chelsea and Manchester City marks the third meeting between the two sides this season, with both previous encounters ending in draws.
As anticipation builds for the FA Cup showdown, both teams will be aiming to secure a vital victory to advance to the final and enhance their chances of silverware in what promises to be an enthralling clash at Wembley Stadium.
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