Chelsea fans were surprised to see Marc Cucurella substituted at half-time against Leeds United.
Cucurella played a key role in the Blues’ dominant performance in the first 45 minutes at Stamford Bridge.
The Spaniard was not at his absolute best, but he provided width and balance to the team with his overlapping runs on the left wing.
He did nothing to suggest that a substitution at half-time was necessary, but Jorrel Hato replaced him immediately after the interval.
One could only assume that Cucurella had picked up an injury, which Liam Rosenior has now addressed in an interview.
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Liam Rosenior shares Marc Cucurella injury news
Rosenior confirmed in his post-match interview that Cucurella suffered a hamstring injury in the first half against Leeds.
“He felt his hamstring at half-time, which is why we made the change for Jorrel,” said the Blues boss.
“Jorrel came on and played very, very well, but hopefully it’s not too serious. It was a substitution for an injury.”
He did not comment on the severity of the injury, so Chelsea supporters will now be waiting anxiously for another update.
As Rosenior alluded to, hopefully Cucurella will be available to start the Blues’ next Premier League game against Burnley at Stamford Bridge in 10 days.
Marc Cucurella’s absence would change Liam Rosenior’s plans
Liam Rosenior has made a tactical change recently that makes Cucurella even more important.
With Jamie Gittens injured and Alejandro Garnacho out of form, Rosenior has opted to play without an out-and-out left winger.
HOT TAKE: Marc Cucurella is MORE important to Chelsea than Reece James
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Reece James speaks with Marc Cucurella during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge
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Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer have taken turns operating in the left attacking midfield position, with Cucurella overlapping to provide width.
But without Cucurella in the team, this will no longer be a viable option because Jorrel Hato is not an attack-minded full-back.
Hato prefers to stay deeper in a back three or to step into central midfield rather than getting to the byline.
Therefore, if the Dutchman has to play instead of Cucurella over the next few weeks, Rosenior will need to rethink his plans.
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