Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino has been handed a triple fitness blow ahead of Monday's Premier League fixture against Everton.

Pochettino has consistently had to contend with injuries throughout this campaign, hindering the Blues' efforts to qualify for Europe next season.

After a hectic schedule last week where games against Manchester United and Sheffield United were played within 72 hours of each other, Chelsea have over a week to prepare for their meeting with the Toffees.

Nevertheless, even with the extended rest period, Pochettino faces the prospect of having several more players unavailable for selection.

In the squad injury update on Friday lunchtime, it was revealed that Axel Disasi and Enzo Fernandez had both been added to the list.

Furthermore, Chelsea noted that Raheem Sterling was also absent from training on Friday due to illness, putting his participation against Everton in doubt.

What did Pochettino say?

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Pochettino revealed that neither of Disasi or Fernandez had trained with the club throughout this week.

The Argentine told reporters: "We'll see. They are under assessment. They have different type of issues. We don't believe it's big issues.

"We will see if they will be available. At the moment, they are not training with the group after Sheffield."

How will Chelsea react?

In total, there are 10 players named on Chelsea's current injury list, albeit with Ben Chilwell returning to 'partial training'.

Pochettino added: "Chilly is training, partial training and see if he can be involved in the squad on Monday. It's good news. But he hasn't played too much this season."

Although Pochettino is frustrated with the current injury situation, he reiterated that he was comfortable with handing minutes and opportunities to some of the club's youngsters.

He said: "The way we are working, we are working so close with the academy, because of the circumstances also, we can invite young players to train with us. That is a good chance for them to show their quality.

"Chelsea have one of the best academies, not only in England, but in the world. It is our responsibility to care about these guys. A few of them will have the opportunity to be in the squad on Monday.

While Pochettino has handed several academy players minutes in cup competitions, Alfie Gilchrist is the solitary newcomer in terms of minutes earned in Premier League action. body check tags ::