Mauricio Pochettino 'surprised' by England decision as four players added to Chelsea injury list
Mauricio Pochettino says Ben Chilwell is a doubt for Chelsea's clash against Burnley after picking up an injury for England.
Pochettino revealed he was surprised Chilwell was so involved with the Three Lions despite his recent return to full fitness.
Chilwell could now miss this weekend's clash against Burnley with four players added to the club's absentee list following the international break.
In addition to Chilwell, Pochettino will be without Trevoh Chalobah, Robert Sanchez and Carney Chukwuemeka for the visit of Vincent Kompany's team.
Chilwell missed Chelsea's win over Newcastle on March 11 due to injury before returning for the Blues' FA Cup win at home to Leicester City two weeks ago.
The 27-year-old was part of the England squad for the matches against Brazil and Belgium Having gained some minutes against the Foxes, he was injured in the dying moments of Tuesday's 2-2 draw with Belgium.
Chelsea Manager Pochettino was asked if he was surprised by England's use of Chilwell and replied: “Surprised, not surprised, I don't know if he can't play for us or be available, because he didn't play afterwards.” Brentford with us.
“He played a few minutes against Leicester. He started two games. Yes, maybe it's a surprise for us. But it is bad luck because he was left without a leg at the last moment of the game against Belgium.”
Meanwhile, Chelsea have allayed fears over Cole Palmer's fitness ahead of their clash with Burnley.
Palmer has proven to be a bright spark in a difficult season for the west London club following a shock £42.5million move from city of manchester last summer.
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The attacking midfielder is in contention this weekend despite not featuring in any of England's friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.
Pochettino revealed that the 21-year-old was “disappointed” not to have played for the Three Lions, especially in the game against Belgium, having overcome a minor problem that ruled him out against Brazil.
“I was talking to him, he is a bit disappointed because he can't play or perform for the national team,” Pochettino said.
“The first game he had a little problem and I think he thought he could play against Belgium but he didn't play. Now he is fine and training well. There is still one more training session tomorrow, but if he responds in the same way tomorrow, he will be available on Saturday.”
Chelsea return to their national duties with the aim of making a final assault on European qualification.
The Blues showed signs of recovery before the international break, but a recent spate of injuries could derail any end-of-season goals.
