suspension – Reece James apologizes to Chelsea as Pochettino faces suspension dilemma
Reece James apologizes to Chelsea as Pochettino faces suspension dilemma
Chelsea’s unbeaten run in all competitions came to an end following a disappointing 4-1 defeat against Newcastle United at St. James’ Park. Reece James was sent off for two bookable offences and will miss the clash against Brighton next weekend.
Marc Cucurella picked up his fifth yellow card so far this season meaning he will also miss the game against his former club. This will force Mauricio Pochettino into fielding at least two different defenders against the Seagulls at Stamford Bridge.
Meanwhile, Ivan Toney continues to be linked with a January move to Chelsea with three alternatives emerging for the Blues. football.london has taken a look at the latest news below.
Reece James issues Chelsea apology as Mauricio Pochettino dealt Brighton dilemma
Chelsea captain Reece James has sent an apology to his teammates and supporters after receiving a red card in the 4-1 defeat against Newcastle on Saturday afternoon. Mauricio Pochettino refused to criticise his players for individual mistakes and instead slammed the lack of maturity and energy.
“We didn’t show we were playing for something,” the Chelsea boss said after the full-time whistle. “We are young and have to learn.
“We need to be more solid. Mentally or course. Be ready to compete. I can play football, everyone can, but you have to be ready to compete and today we didn’t.”
Mauricio Pochettino has three Chelsea options amid suspension dilemma and Thiago Silva worry
Chelsea are facing a slight concern in defence following their 4-1 defeat against Newcastle United on Saturday afternoon. Reece James was sent off after picking up two yellow cards against the Magpies and is set to miss the clash against Brighton next weekend.
Marc Cucurella is another player set to miss the game against Roberto De Zerbi’s side after picking up a fifth yellow card so far this season – resulting in a one-match suspension. This will force Mauricio Pochettino to reshuffle his defensive pack with James and Cucurella absent next week.
The England international apologised to his teammates and supporters following his red card at St. James’ Park on Saturday, but is confident the Blues can get back to winning ways. “I take full responsibility for my red card today, two silly mistakes. Another lesson for me to learn,” the Chelsea captain wrote in a post on Instagram.
“I’d like to apologise to the fans and my teammates. The performance today was far below our standards but this game does not define us!
“We’ve made huge improvements this season against many top teams. We’ll be back next weekend.”
Three Ivan Toney transfer alternatives emerge
Chelsea are facing further frustration in their quest to sign a marquee striker for Mauricio Pochettino in January, according to The Mirror. Extensive plans for the winter market are continuing to take shape behind the scenes, the brutal reality of the situation is the Blues may now have to wait until the summer of 2024 to land the best long-term option the Blues.
Napoli have already made it clear that under no uncertain terms that Victor Osimhen is not for sale this winter. Brentford are also prepared to follow suit with Ivan Toney – even though the England international is ready to make the next step in his impressive career after changing agents.
Toney will be free to return to action in mid-January following his respective FA ban. A mid-season sale would defy all logic for Brentford, whose attacking options will be significantly depleted for up to four Premier League matches.
Chelsea could therefore be forced to consider alternative names such as Feyenoord’s Santiago Gimenez, Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface – also off to AFCON – and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, who have all built commendable reputations with their goalscoring exploits in Europe.
