Chelsea add two more stars to injury list ahead of Everton clash

Mauricio Pochettino has admitted Chelsea could be without both Enzo Fernandez and Axel Disasi for Monday's visit from Everton.

The Blues' latest injury report, released on Friday, featured no fewer than 11 first-team players, with Fernandez and Disasi both "undergoing medical assessment" after picking up problems in the 2-2 draw with Sheffield United.

Asked whether the pair will be ready to face Everton on Monday, Pochettino admitted Fernandez and Disasi both needed further checks before any decision on their involvement could be made.

"We will see," Pochettino said. "They are under assessment. They have different type of issues. We don't believe they are big issues but we will see if they can be available.

"At the moment, they have not trained after Sheffield [United]. We do not know if they can be involved or not for Monday."

Fernandez and Disasi have joined Robert Sanchez, Raheem Sterling, Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Reece James, Romeo Lavia, Christopher Nkunku and Lesley Ugochukwu on the sidelines, while left-back Ben Chilwell is only in partial training as he steps up his return from injury.

"Chilly is training, partial training today with the team, and see if he can be involved with the squad, on the bench for Monday," Pochettino added. "It's good news, but it's true what you say, he has not played too much this season."

With Chelsea's injury problems mounting, Pochettino conceded that he may now be forced to turn to the club's academy for reinforcements against Everton.

"I think they are so close, in the way we are working, the coaching staff, we are working so close to the academy," he explained. "Because of the circumstances, also, for us to invite every week young players from the academy to train with us.

"That is a good opportunity for them to show their quality. Of course, it is realistic. The only thing is to have the opportunity, to show it there and be consistent enough. I agree with you, Chelsea have one of the best academies, not only in England but the world and I think it's our responsibility to pay attention and to care about these guys.

"Of course, because of the situation we are in, they will have the possibility to be involved in the squad for Monday, a few of the players. They have been training with us, 16, 17, 18, 19-year-olds, they are training normally and being consistent with that. That is a very good experience for them and good for their evolution, to help compete with the senior players."

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