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Mauricio Pochettino says Ben Chilwell is a doubt for Chelsea's clash with Burnley after picking up an injury with England.

Pochettino revealed he was surprised that Chilwell featured so heavily for the Three Lions despite his recent return to full fitness.

Chilwell is a doubt for Chelsea's clash with Burnley on Saturday
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Chilwell is a doubt for Chelsea's clash with Burnley on SaturdayCredit: Getty

Chilwell could now miss this weekend's clash with Burnley with four players added to the club's list of absentees following the international break.

Along with Chilwell, Pochettino will be without Trevoh Chalobah, Robert Sanchez and Carney Chukwuemeka for the visit of Vincent Kompany’s side.

Chilwell missed Chelsea’s win over Newcastle on March 11 through injury before returning for the Blues’ FA Cup victory at home to Leicester City two weeks ago.

The 27-year-old joined up with the England squad for the games against Brazil and Belgium having clocked up a few minutes of game time against the Foxes, but picked up an injury in the dying moments of Tuesday’s 2-2 draw with Belgium.

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Chelsea boss Pochettino was asked whether England's use of Chilwell surprised him and responded: “Surprised, not surprised, I don't know if he cannot play with us or be available, because he didn't play after Brentford with us.

“He played a few minutes against Leicester. He started two games. Yeah, maybe, it's a surprise for us. But it's bad luck because he got a dead leg in the last moment of the game against Belgium.”

Meanwhile, Chelsea have cooled fears over Cole Palmer’s fitness ahead of their clash with Burnley.

Palmer has proved to be a bright spark in a difficult season for the west London club following a shock £42.5million switch from Manchester City last summer.

Pochettino appeared angry at England for their use of Ben Chilwell during the international break
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Pochettino appeared angry at England for their use of Ben Chilwell during the international breakCredit: Getty
Chukwuemeka will also miss Saturday's clash with Burnley through injury
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Chukwuemeka will also miss Saturday's clash with Burnley through injury
Cole Palmer is in contention to feature against the Clarets after overcoming a minor injury
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Cole Palmer is in contention to feature against the Clarets after overcoming a minor injuryCredit: Getty

The attacking midfielder is in contention this weekend despite not featuring in either of England’s friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.

Pochettino revealed the 21-year-old was ‘disappointed’ not to have features for the Three Lions particularly in the game against Belgium after having overcome a minor issue that ruled him out against Brazil.

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“I was talking with him, he's a little bit disappointed because he cannot play or perform with the national team,” Pochettino said.

“The first game he had a small problem and I think he thought he could play against Belgium but he didn't play. Now he is okay and training well. Still one more training session tomorrow but if he responds tomorrow in the same way, he will be available on Saturday.”

Chelsea return to domestic duty aiming to mount one final assault on European qualification.

The Blues showed signs of an upturn in form before the international break but a recent spate of injuries could derail any late-season objectives.

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