Mauricio Pochettino is having to contend with a tired Chelsea squad at the moment.

He admitted after the recent draw against Brentford, that he was being forced to play a number of players who were greatly fatigued due to the buildup of fixtures.

Pochettino has seen a number of key first team players missing for large portions of the season, and this has not changed in the early months of the New Year.

Christopher Nkunku for example has made just a handful of appearances since his big money moved last summer, when there was a lot of expectation on what he could provide to the attack.

He has been joined on the sidelines by the likes of Reece James and Romeo Lavia, with the manager at times, having to get creative with what he has had available.

Everton FC v Chelsea FC - Premier League
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images

One position that has been affected more than most this season is the left-back role, where it must be remembered that the boss was looking to play Levi Colwill in that position for large parts of the campaign.

He has been able to turn to vice-captain Ben Chilwell again in recent weeks after another long-term injury.

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Pochettino should start Cucurella

However, the lack of any other options has seen him play near enough every game in his recovery period.

For that reason, Pochettino must look to a returning player in order to not risk injury to the England international.

Marc Cucurella was in the matchday squad last weekend at Brentford, however did not make an appearance off the bench.

He has been training for a while now, after an injury saw him ruled out for the best part of three months.

Giving Chilwell a rest could be big in making sure the pair both stay fit, and Cucurella could compliment the attacking Malo Gusto well with his more rigid defensive strengths.

See also  Report: Man City have now held talks to sign 22-year-old Premier League star on Chelsea's shortlist

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