An exclusive in the Daily Mail today has revealed that Raheem Sterling is back in training.
Sterling has been very ill since last playing for us in the 4-3 win over Manchester United. Mauricio Pochettino mentioned “vomiting” and a “virus” in his press conference ahead of the win over Everton, and this Mall article adds that dehydration came as part of the package.
The good news (in a way) is that the problem was food poisoning, meaning that now the symptoms have cleared he can rejoin the group right away. The question is whether the missed training and the weight loss mentioned above will affect him heavily in the next few days.
Winger back in contention to face old club
It’s going to be a tough call for Mauricio Pochettino this weekend. As ever, that left wing spot opposite Cole Palmer and behind Nicolas Jackson is the most unpredictable in the team.
Mykhailo Mudryk keeps being given chances without taking them. This feels like a game where he could disappear totally in the bright lights, and we’re sure that Pochettino would rather use Sterling.
However the fact that Sterling missed a chunk of training, and has physical symptoms as listed above, make it feel like a tough call for the manager.
It’s hard for us to know whether he will be ready to start after just a full session today then a half session tomorrow. But we’re sure Pochettino would prefer Sterling down the left if he’s fit. Sterling would love to get the chance to face his old team, but if he’s not sharp this is not the game to be chucked into.
Noni Madueke’s indiscretions on Monday night surely rule him out from a start at Wembley.
Sterling is Chelsea’s best paid player, and this should be a dream game for him to stand up and be counted.
