A look at Chelsea headlines as the Blues are handed a double injury issue and are linked with an in-form striker ahead of the January transfer window
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca will hope the international break does not bring more issues to his squad
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Chelsea will hope the international break does not result in any new injuries to members of Enzo Maresca’s squad. The Blues signed off with a 3-0 win over Wolves before many of their players headed off on international duty.
Malo Gusto, Joao Pedro and Pedro Neto got on the scoresheet at Stamford Bridge to put Chelsea third in the table after their fourth win in five league games. However, the club’s packed schedule, juggling multiple cup competitions, has led to injury problems.
International problems mounting
Pedro Neto has withdrawn from Portugal’s squad ahead of their World Cup qualifiers against the Republic of Ireland and Armenia. The winger scored for Chelsea against his former side Wolves at the weekend but picked up an injury during the game.
Post-match, Chelsea boss Maresca revealed that Neto had asked to be substituted. He was replaced by Marc Guiu a few minutes after his goal.
A statement from the Portuguese Football Federation confirmed that Neto would not be joining up with the squad in “a decision made jointly by Chelsea's medical department”.
The forward is the second Chelsea player to withdraw from international duty, following on from Enzo Fernandez. The Argentine midfielder has been dealing with a knee issue for several months.
Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea
Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez will not be on international duty(Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
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Chelsea enter transfer battle
Chelsea have been linked with a move for highly-rated Levante striker Etta Eyong ahead of the January window. Goal reports that the Blues have entered the race to sign the 22-year-old forward, who has scored six in 12 La Liga games this season.
Enzo Maresca’s side are claimed to have entered the race for Eyong’s signature. However, it is said they face competition from Barcelona and Real Madrid as well as Premier League rivals Arsenal and Manchester United.
Despite the £26.3million release clause in Eyong’s contract, Levante CEO Jose Danvila has already made the club’s stance clear: “We receive offers for him every day. But the player isn’t going to be sold. Our priority is staying up, not cashing out.”
Etta Eyong of Levante
Etta Eyong has scored six and registered three assists in 12 La Liga games this season
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Any potential sale could be further complicated by the reported clauses in the striker’s contract. Eyong’s former club Villarreal are set to receive 80 per cent of any fee under £6.5m, while the team would earn 20 per cent of any deal over £13.17m. It is said, should Levante reject offers exceeding £13.17m, Villarreal would still be compensated, with the Spanish side also retaining first refusal.
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