Mauricio Pochettino rules out key Chelsea defender for Brighton test despite fitness boost

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino says Ben Chilwell is back in training but has hinted he would not be involved against Brighton tomorrow night. The England defender is one of the players who returned to training this week but the boss says he just doesn’t feel he's 100 per cent at the moment and needs to be assessed. 

He told reporters after the game: “It was very good news last game to have many players back on track. Chilly (Ben Chilwell) is really close but he is not 100 per cent to make the squad. Carney Chukwuemeka, also. We need to assess both to see if they can be part of the squad.”

The Chelsea manager will take charge of his 50th at the club tomorrow night, he admits even though there have been challenges, he’s really enjoyed how the team has evolved over a period of time. 

Pochettino added: “I have really enjoyed it. There are so many new things I am living in this football club. We are much better now, the coaching staff. I have really enjoyed it. When you win games, you enjoy it more and when you have some problems – yes, the proof if you have the capacity to deal with this negative circumstance.”

Chelsea could still secure Europa League football and having reached the final of the League Cup and semi-final of the FA Cupwith a lot of the injuries to key players, they now look like they have turned the corner with impressive performances. 

Asked if the improved performance has led to a change in attitude from the fans to tilt love towards him recently, the chelsea boss said he hopes the love is true as he didn’t want fake love. 

He added: “It's easy for me to arrive in the first game and kiss the badge but it is not in my nature. I want to create real feelings. If we arrive one day and feel the love between the fans and us, it is going to be real, not fake because we are not fake people.” 

After what has been a very difficult start to life, Pochettino is now hoping that they can end the season on a high and turn doubters into believers.