Chelsea could welcome back THREE stars for crunch Liverpool clash as Mauricio Pochettino teases ‘surprise’ comeback
CHELSEA could welcome back three stars for their clash against Liverpool.
Mauricio Pochettino confirmed that both Christopher Nkunku and Malo Gusto will travel with the squad to Anfield.
Nkunku, 26, has been out for the Blues’ last five games due to a hip injury.
Gusto was absent for the previous two matches with a muscle problem.
Pochettino said: “I think it is good news that Malo Gusto and Christopher Nkunku can be in the squad [and] travel with us.”
The manager also hinted that there could be a “surprise” inclusion in his squad to take on Jurgen Klopp‘s side.
“It is good news, and we are waiting for the last moment to see if there are any surprises.
Striker Nicolas Jackson could also be in the squad should he make a swift return from Afcon.
Pochettino added: “[We are waiting] to see if maybe Nico Jackson can arrive tomorrow for the game also.”
Senegal was knocked out of the competition after a penalty shootout defeat to the host nation Ivory Coast on Monday.
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The summer signing came off the bench in the match as he replaced Habib Diallo in the 67th minute, but failed to score.
Chelsea will be without defender Levi Colwill after he picked up an injury during the warm-up ahead of Friday’s FA Cup tie clash with Aston Villa.
The match at Anfield will be Klopp’s first Premier League fixture since he announced that he would be leaving the club at the end of the season.
Pochettino admitted that the atmosphere will be a “party” for the home crowd to celebrate the German.
He said: “It’s going to be a party for Liverpool fans to try to provide him with everything he deserves.
“They are going to be really motivated to play, and it’s going to be tough, but it is also going to be tough because they are a really good team.
“We don’t want to be involved or part of the celebration.
“We are thinking about us, performing well and trying to win the game.”