It looks as if the injury bug is catching up with Chelsea ahead of the final few months of the first season under Enzo Maresca as manager.
Blues fans are well aware of how fitness issues can affect their side. Mauricio Pochettino sometimes didn’t even have 11 fit first team players.
The current side have suffered from their fair share of problems so far this season. Key centre-backs Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile have been missing for some time now.
However, the most recent game against West Ham has also seen striker become a real problem. Both Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu suffered injuries on Monday night.
Nicolas Jackson of Chelsea (R) is substituted for teammate Marc Guiu during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and West Ham United FC at S...
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Shim Mheuka back in training amidst Chelsea striker injury crisis
The Blues will be desperately searching for a solution in the number nine position, and could even be forced to look to the academy to try and find a regular goalscorer.
There has been no better example of that over the last couple of years than Shim Mheuka.
Despite only just turning 17, the striker has been a regular in the Under 18s side this season, and has even made his first team debut in the Conference League under Enzo Maresca.
He suffered an injury in January that kept him out of any action, however journalist Kieran Gill has stated that he has returned to the pitch this week.
“Regarding Chelsea’s striker shortage… Shim Mheuka’s last appearance for #CFC U21s was on January 24 as he’s been sidelined by a minor thigh injury. But told the 17yo academy graduate returned to working on grass as of Monday this week.”
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Shim Mheuka of Chelsea shoots whilst under pressure during the UEFA Conference League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between FC Astana and Chelsea ...
Shim Mheuka compared to Cole Palmer
Mheuka drew a lot of praise recently for a performance in the FA Youth Cup, where he scored a hat-trick against Merstham in a 7-1 win.
One of his goals saw him skip past the goalkeeper in outstanding fashion, similar to a way that Blues fans have been used to from one of their top players.
Commentator Matt Davies-Adams compared the youngster to Cole Palmer, saying on the official Chelsea coverage: “This was Palmer-esque the way he sat the goalkeeper down.”
It looks as if Christopher Nkunku will lead the line tomorrow night against Brighton, however if he does not hit the standards it may not be long before Maresca is looking to his youth to solve their issues.
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