Malo Gusto was brought in as a useful backup for Reece James, but between injury and suspension, the Frenchman has ended up missing almost as much time as his alternative.
He’s out right now after picking up a slightly mysterious problem, and we’re now getting mixed messages from the club and from coach Mauricio Pochettino about his status.
The club’s injury list published today had Gusto listed as “starting the reconditioning phase of his rehabilitation.” That appears to be one stage behind Christopher Nkunku who is “progressing with the reconditioning phase of his rehabilitation.”
Pochettino on Nkunku: "Christopher, we are still assessing day-by-day, we will see tomorrow but I don't believe he will be involved. We will see if Malo Gusto can be available but, apart from that, no other news." #CFC
— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) December 8, 2023
Yet Pochettino said the staff “will see” if Gusto is fit to play on Sunday, while he “doesn’t believe” Nkunku will be involved, making it sound a lot like Gusto is further ahead.
It’s not a big deal, but it shows there is some level of disconnect between what Pochettino is being told and what we’re being told – see also the bizarre case of Carney Chukwuemeka and his ever slipping return date.
Even though James is now back, it matters a lot as the paramount priority is to protect James’ fitness. That meant playing him for just 45 minutes on Wednesday, and would ideally mean taking him off after an hour in most games.
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