Chilwell call, Jackson dilemma - Changes Mauricio Pochettino may make for Chelsea vs Aston Villa
It would be understandable if Mauricio Pochettino had felt short of options heading into the clash against Bournemouth. Despite all of the transfers and money spent, the impact of 12 injuries is always going to be significant.
International breaks are always a tentative period for coaches and Pochettino had to endure injuries to Noni Madueke and Moises Caicedo ahead of the Blues' trip to Vitality Stadium. The news will not have been welcome after the Blues lost another midfield option in Romeo Lavia ahead of that.
Nevertheless, the fixture saw Chelsea's head coach make a move that was not enforced. While Lesley Ugochukwu replaced Caicedo, Pochettino chose to bring Mykhailo Mudyrk in for his first Premier League start and place Ben Chilwell onto the bench.
The Blues have already seen Madueke and Marc Cucurella return to training, while Benoit Badiashile and Armando Broja are in the reconditioning phase of their rehabilitation. The 51-year-old former PSG boss could have a few more options to consider when facing Aston Villa on Sunday.
With Broja unlikely to be ready to start, Nicolas Jackson will be someone who is still trusted to find the net against this weekend's visitors however. The Senegal international is already walking a suspension tightrope this term that must be carefully managed with the Blues light on options to replace him.
Nevertheless,football.london takes a look at some of the options Pochettino could consider.
Cole Palmer start and Ben Chilwell returns
The transfer deadline day signing has yet to start a game for the Blues and after his first full week of training may find his opportunity as Chelsea look to find goals. His versatility in the final third leaves it open to where he could come into the team,
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