Mudryk out with ‘minor’ injury problem – Pochettino

Chelsea’s injury problems have been compounded further, with Mykhailo Mudryk the latest player to ruled out of Friday’s match against Luton.

The Ukrainian winger will miss out with what has been described by Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino as a “minor injury” and joins Carney Chukwuemeka on the sidelines following last Sunday’s loss to West Ham.

Chukwuemeka underwent surgery this week for the problem he picked up shortly after scoring his first professional goal in the 3-1 defeat to the Hammers but Pochettino said he hoped the 19-year-old would miss weeks rather than months.

Wesley Fofana and summer signing Christopher Nkunku are long-term absentees and new signing from Southampton Romeo Lavia has also been ruled out for the visit of the Hatters to Stamford Bridge as he gets up to speed with his fitness.

However, record signing Moises Caciedo is in line to start against the Premier League new boys following his £115m move from Brighton.

“It is a shame for him (Mudryk), but it will only be a few days and is a minor problem,” Pochettino said.

“It is a disappointment because for him to play 45 minutes against West Ham as he is a player we hope can start performing for us, but it is not a major problems.”

Pochettino said the injury suffered by Chukwuemeka is a huge blow for the former Aston Villa youngster. who was so impressive at the London Stadium.

“We will see, but it does not seem that big a problem but hopefully it will be weeks not months,” he said.

“He scored and then got the injury but that is football, he was unlucky.

“But he is young and he will be a much better player for it.”