During Pochettino’s press conference on Friday we will gather real time information on the fitness update of the whole squad but there are a few disciplinary issues that are already set in stone.
On top of numerous injuries within the squad it looks like Chelsea will have find a makeshift solution in the full back position as the blues find themselves without two full backs and it all comes down to lack of discipline.
Firstly, Marc Cucurella will be unavailable to take on his former club as he has accumulated 5 yellow cards, in quite ridiculous fashion too. Kicking the ball away and cheap fouls. Given Cucurella missed the beginning of the season he has picked them up at an alarming rate.
Secondly, Reece James will also be unavailable to take on Brighton as he picked up two yellow cards in the clubs 4-1 defeat to Newcastle. That is a huge blow for both Chelsea and James as once again we will be without the clubs captain.
The most frustrating part is this was such an avoidable booking given the first yellow was for kicking the ball away cheaply whilst the score was 1-1 and the second yellow was for a cheap foul on Gordon with the game already out of reach. Pochettino has only just come off a one game touchline ban so something has to change.
Brighton also have a couple of players suspended. The Seagulls will be without Mahmoud Dahoud and captain Lewis Dunk.
