Chelsea’s recent form has been encouraging, with a four-match unbeaten run in the Premier League that includes an emphatic victory over West Ham. However, as the fixture list intensifies with matches in the Carabao Cup, Premier League, and the Conference League, manager Enzo Maresca must navigate his squad carefully. Injuries continue to disrupt his plans, with key players missing out due to fitness issues.
Here’s a closer look at the current injury situation at Stamford Bridge and what it means for the upcoming matches.
Injury Woes Persist Despite Unbeaten Run
Chelsea’s upcoming schedule is jam-packed, beginning with Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup tie against League Two leaders Barrow. This is followed by crucial home encounters in the Premier League and Conference League against Brighton and Gent, respectively. The Blues will also face Nottingham Forest, Liverpool, Panathinaikos, and Newcastle in quick succession next month. While their recent upturn in form is promising, Maresca is dealing with several injury concerns that could impact Chelsea’s ambitions in multiple competitions.
Malo Gusto Still Sidelined
Malo Gusto’s absence continues to be felt, especially with Chelsea managing a demanding fixture list. The French right-back picked up a thigh injury against Crystal Palace and missed the recent wins against Bournemouth and West Ham. Gusto’s withdrawal from the France Under-21 squad during the international break further highlights the seriousness of the injury. Despite hopes for a swift recovery, Maresca confirmed before the West Ham match that Gusto was still unavailable and did not provide a timeline for his return.
“Malo, no he is not fit,” Maresca said, leaving fans uncertain about when they will see the young defender back on the pitch.
Potential return date: Unknown
Romeo Lavia Nearing Return
Romeo Lavia has endured a challenging start to the season following his £53 million transfer from Southampton. The Belgian midfielder has been sidelined with a hamstring injury after featuring in just two matches at the beginning of the campaign. There were hopes that he would return for the Bournemouth clash, but Lavia was left out of the squad for both that game and the West Ham fixture.
However, there is some optimism on the horizon. Lavia recently posted a picture of himself back in training at Cobham, suggesting that his return could be imminent. With Chelsea’s schedule heating up, the 19-year-old’s recovery will be a welcome boost for Maresca’s midfield options.
Potential return date: September 24 vs Barrow or September 28 vs Brighton
Reece James’ Recovery Delayed
The absence of Chelsea captain Reece James remains a significant concern. The dynamic right-back has yet to feature this season after suffering a hamstring injury in a pre-season friendly against Real Madrid. While initial reports indicated that James was close to a return, Maresca recently cast doubt on when the full-back will be ready for action, insisting that it is crucial he returns only when fully fit.
“Wait until he’s fit,” Maresca stated, emphasising that there is no point in rushing the captain back prematurely. “Reece is still out.”
With James frequently plagued by injury issues, his long-term fitness remains a topic of concern for Chelsea fans. His absence, combined with Gusto’s injury, leaves a gap at right-back, which the Blues will need to manage carefully in the coming weeks.
Potential return date: Unknown
Chelsea’s Busy Schedule: Balancing Injuries and Ambition
While Chelsea’s recent form has lifted spirits at Stamford Bridge, the injury situation continues to pose a challenge. The Carabao Cup tie against Barrow offers a potential opportunity to rest some regulars, but the fixture congestion that follows will test the squad’s depth and resilience. With Brighton and Gent on the horizon, as well as tricky Premier League fixtures against Nottingham Forest, Liverpool, and Newcastle, Maresca will hope to have key players like Lavia and James back as soon as possible.
