Seven Chelsea stars at risk of suspension as Mauricio Pochettino faces huge selection dilemma

In the approaching weeks, a multitude of Chelsea stars are potential suspension risks, with many treading a thin disciplinary line.

As the season approaches, teams are becoming increasingly concerned about the possibility of suspensions due to the accumulation of yellow cards preceding a hectic stretch of matches. Chelsea, similar to other clubs, has an abundance of players who must navigate a disciplinary minefield.

After a two-week absence for international duty, Mauricio Pochettino will almost certainly be devising his itinerary for the upcoming month or so leading up to the holiday season. A number of selection-related challenges lie ahead, as he attempts to balance fitness concerns, opposition analysis, and suspension risks, among others.

After the match against Manchester City, a multitude of players were issued yellow cards, bringing their cumulative ban count even closer to that threshold. In light of the foregoing, the following is an analysis of the most recent booking-related dangers for Chelsea and the distance they might be from evading suspension.

Double suspension risk

One player who has already been sidelined for a game due to precautions is Nicolas Jackson, who amassed five bookings in an incredibly short period of time. Subsequently, he has amassed two more cards and is now three games away from a two-game suspension, which Pochettino will find extremely disappointing.

One booking away

Marc Cucurella is another star who is treading a tightrope regarding suspension; he received his fourth yellow card of the season against Manchester City. The left-back will be required to remain free from bookings until the nineteenth match of the season, when the ban threshold will surpass ten.

Two bookings away

Five additional players are in jeopardy of having their matches suspended for one match, which would place them at risk for the subsequent seven games, on account of two cards. Raheem Sterling, Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, Ben Chilwell, and Cole Palmer will be required to maintain a proper conduct in order to avoid a suspension.