Mauricio Pochettino has three Chelsea options amid suspension dilemma and Thiago Silva worry
Chelsea are facing a slight concern in defence following their 4-1 defeat against Newcastle United on Saturday afternoon. Reece James was sent off after picking up two yellow cards against the Magpies and is set to miss the clash against Brighton next weekend.
Marc Cucurella is another player set to miss the game against Roberto De Zerbi's side after picking up a fifth yellow card so far this season — resulting in a one-match suspension. This will force Mauricio Pochettino to reshuffle his defensive pack with James and Cucurella absent next week.
The England international apologised to his teammates and supporters following his red card at St. James' Park on Saturday, but is confident the Blues can get back to winning ways. «I take full responsibility for my red card today, two silly mistakes. Another lesson for me to learn,» the Chelsea captain wrote in a post on Instagram.
«I'd like to apologise to the fans and my teammates. The performance today was far below our standards but this game does not define us!
»We've made huge improvements this season against many top teams. We'll be back next weekend."
Another concern for Pochettino could be seeing veteran defender Thiago Silva make an unfortunate and rare mistake — resulting in Joelinton scoring and giving Newcastle a two-goal cushion over the Blues on Saturday. So, football.london takes a look at three options Pochettino could use in defence when Chelsea face Brighton.
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