Mauricio Pochettino has stated that one Chelsea player could be about to play for the first time this year.

All season injuries have plagued the Blues, putting a serious dent in their hopes to qualify for European football next season.

Pochettino has got the Blues in the top seven at this stage, however it has been reported that he is under pressure to meet the demands of qualifying for the Europa League.

The defence is a position which has been savaged this season, with numerous times centre-backs being needed to play out of position at full-back.

While many have filled in well, it remains a desire for Chelsea fans to see their side set up in this new system with a natural right-back available for selection.

The manager has hinted in his pre-match press conference that this could be about to happen, with club captain Reece James pushing for an appearance tomorrow.

Reece James could play for Chelsea tomorrow

He said: “Nearly all of the players are available at a good time. It’s good to be optimistic. When you arrive to a new club, a new project, you want to work with the whole squad to increase the level.

“Yes, we need to see today but maybe he (James) can be available in the squad, yes.”

James is yet to play in 2024 after undergoing another hamstring injury in December, seeing him turn to surgery to try and put an end to his woes.

James fighting Gusto for a place in the side

He comes back to the setup finding his position under more pressure than ever before off the back of the top performances from Malo Gusto in his absence.

Cole Palmer admitted he voted for the Frenchman for his player of the year award at the club, showing just how highly some of those at the club rate the youngster in only his first season at Stamford Bridge.