Chelsea: Mauricio Pochettino explains why a replacement for Armando Broja was not signed

The Blues have been left with just one out-and-out senior striker
Nizaar Kinsella2 February 2024

Mauricio Pochettino has explained why Chelsea allowed striker Armando Broja to join Fulham on loan without signing a replacement.

Chelsea waved through the 22-year-old's loan move to Fulham on deadline day, leaving Nicolas Jackson as the only senior striker in the squad.

Christopher Nkunku and Cole Palmer can both line up as No9s, while teenager Deivid Washington is an alternative, but inexperienced, option.

Asked why Chelsea let Broja leave, Pochettino said: "It is a very good opportunity for him to play maybe more. It's a good move for him and he can take the opportunity to play more.

He added: "It is important to recover Christoph [Nkunku] and it is important for Nico Jackson to arrive. Also, sometimes we forget, but Deivid Washington is here with us. The options we have up front are enough."

Nicolas Jackson is back from the Africa Cup of Nations
REUTERS

Chelsea were linked with several strikers throughout the January transfer window, including Napoli's Victor Osimhen and Brentford's Ivan Toney.

However, the club deemed them too costly or risky this month and, instead will focus on Nkunku and Jackson, who has been away with the Africa Cup of Nations.

Speaking ahead of facing Wolves on Sunday, Pochettino said: "We need to assess Nico; today was his first training session with us. He didn't play too much [at the Africa Cup of Nations], but he was one month away.

"That is why we need to assess him really well and not take risks. If nothing happens, for sure he will be involved in the squad."

Adding about Nkunku: "We need to take care with his confidence and fitness. We are happy with how he is helping the team but we need to be careful. We are going to push him to get as fit as we expect."

The Argentine also confirmed that Levi Colwill is a major doubt to face Wolves on Sunday, with the same eight players likely to miss the match at Stamford Bridge.

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