The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has reportedly reached out to Chelsea following Marc Cucurella’s injury against Leeds United, with officials in Madrid “anxious”.
Liam Rosenior made the surprise decision to substitute Marc Cucurella at half-time against Leeds United, without any clear reasoning at the time.
And the word from Steve McManaman was that Cucurella’s substitution wasn’t due to an injury, merely just a tactical decision.
However, that was disproved after the game when Liam Rosenior issued an update on the Chelsea defender. Stating that he felt his hamstring at half-time.
But we are still waiting on a timeline for the return of the Spaniard, with scans set to take place today.
Starting to think Jamie Carragher has a point…😬
Jamie Carragher on Liam Delap
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Spanish outlet AS are reporting that Marc Cucurella’s injury worries the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) with the World Cup closing in.
Doctors suspect that the hamstring muscle may be affected. Cucurella will undergo a medical examination today to determine the exact extent of the injury and the necessary recovery time.
This would come as a big blow for Chelsea, especially as many believed that the Blues would have beat Leeds United if Marc Cucurella was on the field.
Let’s hope it’s not as bad as the Spanish Federation fears.
What is he talking about? 🤦♂️
Sam Allardyce discussing Chelsea's Cole Palmer
Credit: Stu Forster/Ben Roberts Photo via Getty Images
What happens if Marc Cucurella is injured?
If Marc Cucurella is sidelined with a hamstring injury, Liam Rosenior’s most logical move is to hand Jorrel Hato his first consistent run in the starting lineup. The 19-year-old has been patient behind the Spaniard and replaced him immediately during the 2-2 draw with Leeds.
Hato offers a more natural left-back profile for the system Rosenior has leaned toward, providing defensive security while being comfortable enough on the ball to participate in the press.
Alternatively, Rosenior could look to the versatility of Malo Gusto, who successfully covered the left side under Enzo Maresca. However, this depends entirely on the availability of Reece James.
With Hull City up next in the FA Cup, the recently signed 17-year-old Yisa Alao from Sheffield Wednesday could be an outside option.
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