Chelsea coach Pochettino highlights that Brighton game may come too soon for Chukwuemeka

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has underlined that Wednesday night's Premier League clash against Brighton & Hove at the American Express Stadium may come too soon for Carney Chukwuemeka.

The Argentine football tactician confirmed that the England youth international of Nigerian descent has returned to team training but unlikely to be involved against the Seagulls.

Chukwuemeka's season has been plagued by injuries and his fitness concerns began as early as the second match of the campaign when he sustained a knee injury against West Ham.

He was sidelined until January when he made a cameo in Chelsea's 1-0 win over Fulham at Stamford Bridge. 

Subsequently, he also played in the following two league games against Liverpool and Wolverhampton Wanderers, before his return to the treatment room due to an ankle injury. 

Chukwuemeka has not been available for selection in thirty-three games contested by Chelsea this season due to injury problems.

In quotes relayed by Chelsea's official website, Mauricio Pochettino told reporters at his pre-match press conference before the visit to Brighton: "It was very good news last game to have many players back on track. I think Chilly (Ben Chilwell) is really close but not 100% ready to be part of the squad, Carney Chukwuemeka also.

"We need to assess whether both can be part of the squad tomorrow. If not tomorrow, maybe for the weekend."

This season, Chukwuemeka has logged 252 minutes spread across twelve matches in all competitions and found the net twice.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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