Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has now responded to another question about the penalty debacle at Stamford Bridge right now.
He told The Guardian who he had available to take a penalty in the absence of Cole Palmer tonight against Arsenal.
Pochettino revealed in his press conference yesterday that Palmer had been struggling with a bout of illness since the FA Cup semi-final, and was a doubt to feature today.
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Palmer a doubt to face Arsenal
This was a real blow to Blues supporters, who have been well aware just how important the 21-year-old has been to them throughout this campaign.
One area he has been particularly solid from is from the penalty spot. He boasts a perfect record so far at the club.
There have been times he faced a battle with his own teammates to take the kick, with the likes of Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson making their case in recent games to take one.
Pochettino says he has options to take a penalty tonight
Pochettino has now given some insight into who would take a spot kick without the England international tonight.
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He said: “I will decide [the penalty taker] when I pick the starting XI [if Cole Palmer is unavailable] but we have players like Noni Madueke, Gallagher, Fernández or even Jackson that can shoot. It will depend. Of course, there is Mudryk.”
Madueke found the net from the spot against Crystal Palace late last year, while Enzo Fernandez has a mixed record after scoring against Brighton and being denied against West Ham early in the campaign.
The likes of Mykhailo Mudryk and Conor Gallagher stepped up in a penalty shootout earlier this season, and the latter in particular feels like he would do well under pressure.
While it remains to be seen if the manager risks Palmer for the huge game against the Gunners, it looks as if someone is going to have to step up for the Blues if he is absent.
It could prove a huge moment for someone like Raheem Sterling to turn around their Chelsea career with a top display.
