Soccer-Nkunku out as Pochettino faces crucial clash with Leeds

Soccer Football - Carabao Cup - Final - Chelsea v Liverpool - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - February 25, 2024 Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino before the match Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs/ File photo

LONDON (Reuters) - Chelsea host second-tier Leeds United in the FA Cup fifth round on Wednesday with their season, and possibly the future of manager Mauricio Pochettino, hanging on the line.

A narrow defeat by Liverpool in Sunday's League Cup final denied Pochettino his first silverware in English football and the sort of statement result that could kick-start his reign.