Jorrel Hato and Malo Gusto will be the two main candidates to replace Marc Cucurella at Chelsea.
It is thought that Cucurella could be out for up to a month due to a hamstring injury that he sustained in Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Leeds United earlier this week.
Last summer, the Blues brought Hato in to play at left-back, so he is the logical choice to come in for his injured teammate.
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With that being said, Gusto has a bit of experience playing on the left side of defence.
Chelsea Training Session
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Jorrel Hato ready to fill in for Marc Cucurella in Chelsea team
It has not been easy for Hato at Chelsea since his arrival from Ajax. At 19, he is still a very young player who is settling in.
For example, Hato had a torrid time against Qarabag in the Champions League, but he has slowly recovered and has not done much wrong since then.
Liam Rosenior has already used him at left-back following Cucurella’s injury, with the Dutchman playing there in Chelsea’s 4-0 win against Hull City in the FA Cup fourth round on Friday.
In the previous round, Hato scored a stunning goal versus Charlton Athletic, helping Rosenior to win his first game in charge as Chelsea manager.
Jorrel Hato scores his first Chelsea goal!
Jorrel Hato scores for Chelsea
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What have you made of Hato’s position under Rosenior? Looks to be featuring heavily in the midfield…
Hato is seen as one of the most exciting young talents to come out of the Netherlands in recent years and cost Chelsea around £37m. It would be such a waste if he does not get too many more opportunities between now and the end of the season, especially with Cucurella injured.
It is a possibility because of Gusto. The £31m Frenchman has already played at left-back a couple of times this term and is perhaps a safer option because of his age and experience in the Premier League.
But if Hato is not going to play when the first-choice left-back is not available, when will he? When Chelsea take on Burnley next, the Netherlands international should be on the pitch.
Arsenal v Chelsea - Carabao Cup Semi Final Second Leg
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Marc Cucurella could need replacing permanently in the future
Right now, Rosenior only needs a short-term replacement for Cucurella. The 27-year-old should be available for selection again next month.
However, at some point, the Blues may need an actual successor to him. For now, Cucurella is thought to be happy at Chelsea.
Speculation about a potential return to Barcelona has cropped up, though, and his contract at Stamford Bridge expires in 2028.
Hato could be his ready-made successor, but it has been claimed that Chelsea are interested in Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly.
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