There is now official confirmation that France U21 international of Nigerian descent Lesley Ugochukwu will not be named in Chelsea’s matchday squad for their Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge on Thursday.
Through their official website, the Blues have informed that ‘several players continuing their recovery from injury – Christopher Nkunku, Levi Colwill, Reece James, Robert Sanchez, Raheem Sterling and Lesley Ugochukwu are all back in partial training – although Mauricio Pochettino confirmed none of them will be ready in time to face Spurs’.
The Argentine football tactician will continue to monitor the fitness of Ugochukwu ahead of the Premier League games against West Ham United, Nottingham Forest, Brighton & Hove and Bournemouth.
Ugochukwu, the nephew of former Nigeria international defender Onyekechi Apam, hasn’t played for the Blues since sustaining an injury against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Boxing Day.
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Since suffering a relapse of a hamstring injury, the former Rennes starlet has not been called up for twenty-four consecutive matches played by Chelsea comprising fifteen in the Premier League, six in the FA Cup and three in the Carabao Cup.
All things being equal, Ugochukwu should return to group training before the end of the season.
Ugochukwu’s fitness is also a cause for concern for Arsenal legend Thierry Henry as the France U23 boss has the defensive midfielder in his plans for the 2024 Olympic Games to be hosted by France.
The 20-year-old missed out on making his debut for France’s Olympic national team during the March internationals against Ivory Coast and United States as he was recovering from injury.