Gary Lineker fires Chelsea message to Mykhailo Mudryk amid fresh Mauricio Pochettino injury blow

Gary Lineker has praised Mykhailo Mudryk for his performance and goal in the recent Premier League win over Crystal Palace. The Ukraine international netted his third goal of the season earlier this week with a composed close-range finish after great work by Malo Gusto.

Mudryk has also found the back of the net against another two London teams this season with those goals coming against Arsenal and Fulham. The 22-year-old has been heavily criticised on numerous occasions since his £88million package move to the Blues in January from Shakhtar Donetsk.

With Cole Palmer and Raheem Sterling suspended for the clash against Crystal Palace, Mudryk was given a third league start out of the last four games likely as a reward for his cameo off the bench that was vital in the Blues beating Newcastle in Carabao Cup action.

Mudryk was signed as part of the mass club overhaul with his development suffering as a result, although under Pochettino he is showing signs of improvement and that has also been noticed by Lineker. «We have talked about their signings but I see something in Mudryk,» Lineker told The Rest Is Football podcast.

«I think there is something in there. He scored a goal, he has three goals now, he is quick. He shows a few signs, he ought to as he cost £100million but that’s not his fault.»

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With two goals in his last three games, Mudryk will be hoping to continue that form against Luton this weekend, however Pochettino has since revealed he is a doubt for the clash after limping off in Wednesday's victory. The Blues were without Enzo