Confirmed team news: Chelsea midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu doubtful to face Tottenham Hotspur

Chelsea young star of Nigerian descent Lesley Ugochukwu has been sidelined since December 2023 due to a hamstring injury.

The defensive midfielder is closing in on a return to action but Thursday's game against Tottenham Hotspur may come too soon for him, with Chelsea informing through their official website on Wednesday that he has started partial team training.

Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino confirmed during his press conference on Wednesday that he cannot recover any of the players that were on the injury list last week, raising doubts about Ugochukwu's potential availability for the upcoming Premier League encounter against Tottenham.

Chelsea's large squad has been impacted by injuries, leading to opportunities for younger players like promising Nigerian winger Tyrique George to train with the senior team.

Apart from Ugochukwu, the team's injury list comprises Levi Colwill, Christopher Nkunku, Reece James, Robert Sanchez, Raheem Sterling, Axel Disasi, Thiago Silva, Carney Chukwuemeka, Enzo Fernandez, Ben Chilwell, Malo Gusto, Wesley Fofana and Romeo Lavia.

Ugochukwu, who has been nominated for the 2024 Golden Boy Award, was one of the first names on Pochettino's matchday squad before his initial injury in the build-up to the match versus Brighton & Hove, having received sixteen consecutive call-ups

Chelsea desperately need inspiration at the moment, having gone three games without a win.

The Blues lost narrowly to Manchester City in the FA Cup before receiving a 5-0 battering at the hands of Arsenal in the Premier League.

The Stamford Bridge giants could only settle for a 2-2 draw with Aston Villa in their last game in April and face another tricky tie at home to Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday, May 2nd.

Ejim Kaycee

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