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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Nizaar Kinsella

Mauricio Pochettino reveals Reece James among Chelsea players facing late fitness test ahead of Arsenal visit

Mauricio Pochettino says Reece James is among those facing late fitness tests ahead of Arsenal's visit to Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

The Chelsea captain remains a doubt alongside Axel Disasi and Nicolas Jackson, who both pulled out of their international squads during the break. 

Armando Broja has been ruled out but Benoit Badiashile could return to Chelsea's bench in a mixed injury report from the Argentine. 

He said: "We needed to assess now because we finished training a little late. We need to assess Axel Disasi, assess Nico Jackson, we need to assess with the medical staff also Reece to see if he can be part of the squad.

"Broja is out because it is a little bit irritated his knee, the other knee than it was in the past. Yes, we have a few players we need to assess if they can play, be available on the bench or not in the list.

"Benoit [Badiashile] can maybe be available on the bench. Enzo arrived yesterday afternoon [from Argentina] and was in very good shape and I think they [he and Moises Caicedo] can be available."

Cole Palmer is also expected to be fit having not been named on an injury list released by the club that features Christopher Nkunku, Ben Chilwell, Trevoh Chalobah, Carney Chukwuemeka Wesley Fofana and Romeo Lavia.

Pochettino added Malo Gusto, available again after suspension, "could play" against the Gunners at right-back instead of James. 

Looking ahead to Arsenal's visit, Pochettino praised his friend and rival Mikel Arteta, who he used to play with at Paris Saint-Germain.

"We are thinking of winning tomorrow," the Chelsea boss said. "We respect Arsenal as they are a great team. 

"You know very well that Mikel has been part of my family from day one. We arrived in Paris together, we spent time with our families together, it was an amazing history. 

"He was already a coach when I met him at 17. His judgement of football was great. He is still really young, improving day by day, and can become one of the greatest managers in the world. 

"They are a contender to win everything - not only the Premier League but also the Champions League. They are doing a fantastic job and it is going to be tough. We are confident if we do our best we can win the game."

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