How Chelsea can line-up vs Arsenal with major injury boost for Christopher Nkunku and Reece James

Chelsea news as Mauricio Pochettino gets an extra two weeks to prepare his team for the visit of Arsenal and it could be crucial

For the biggest test of his Chelsea coaching career thus far, Mauricio Pochettino has over two weeks to be ready. With three straight victories over the past fortnight, he has been able to slightly calm the ship, but the season will be defined by a challenging stretch of games that lie ahead.

In the upcoming weeks, Chelsea will need all the rest and recuperation they can get as they prepare to play Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham, Newcastle, and Brighton.It comes at a good moment for Pochettino as returning players are starting to reintegrate into the team.

Chelsea are still in striking distance of some of their rivals despite missing players worth over £400 million, the club captain, and frequently having to rely on academy youngsters to fill the bench. Chelsea, which is only two points behind Newcastle and nine points off the top, has a chance to make significant progress in the upcoming weeks if they maintain their current level of play and take advantage of their lack of European obligations.

In addition to this, Chelsea appear to be growing better and better each week.In the final three games before the international break, Armando Broja made a comeback and scored his first goal in nine months, and Raheem Sterling overcame an illness to return and contribute to all four goals against Burnley. When Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal travel to Stamford Bridge, both players will be in the running to start.

Broja will be competing with Nicolas Jackson for a spot up front and could be handed another start after he wasn’t heavily involved during the first half against Burnley. Jackson scored his second in as many games, taking his tally up to three for the season, but was seen with strapping to his wrist.

Following a minor hand surgery, the 22-year-old has now been cut from the Senegal team for the upcoming matches. It is unlikely to have a significant impact on his chances of playing against Arsenal, and now that he has established some consistency, it is the ideal opportunity for him to continue his little surge.

Reece James will be able to continue his healing over the vacation. The right-back has been sidelined with an injury since the end of August, but he was on the verge of making a comeback until the FA suspended him for the match against Aston Villa last month.

Despite his limited playing time, he has a potential to return right away following a lengthy rehabilitation period.Malo Gusto has filled in admirably for James but has been out for the past three games due to a ban he also received during the Villa match. When he returns, he may possibly start to help James get back up to speed.

Romeo Lavia, who had an injury during the previous international break, is not yet close to returning to the lineup, therefore the midfield will remain the same. Axel Disasi’s call-up and subsequent removal from France’s team suggests that the defense may still undergo further changes.

The 25-year-old has so far started each league game for Pochettino, but it is said that he played despite an injury at Turf Moor. Disasi has quadriceps issues and is questionable for the game, but if the next 10 days go well, he could be able to keep his spot.

However, despite a hopeful message being put online, Christopher Nkunku’s return is still some time away. He may be wishing he was available for this kind of contest in the meanwhile.Nkunku has been spotted kicking a ball inside once more as he makes progress with his gym practice. It’s a baby step right now, but it gives fans who are still waiting to see him play for the first time a little lift.

Possible Chelsea XI: Sanchez; James, Disasi, Silva, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo, Gallagher, Palmer, Sterling, Jackson