News of Reece James’ hamstring injury emerged just an hour before Liam Rosenior was due to speak to the media ahead of Chelsea’s second leg against PSG.
If Chelsea were hoping to stage a remarkable comeback and level the tie on aggregate, there is no doubt that the Blues will have needed their best players available. Well, Reece James will now miss the clash.
Indeed, the England star’s absence comes just one game after signing a six-year Chelsea contract. It also hinders Chelsea’s hopes of achieving Champions League qualification next season by finishing in fifth.
Even when Chelsea lose, he’s brilliant 💥
The best right-back in the world!
It is likely to mean that Malo Gusto comes in against PSG, while Andrey Santos is set to partner Moises Caicedo but that is if Gusto is fit. One thing is for certain, and that is Chelsea’s chances have dwindled.
Liam Rosenior delivers update on James, Gusto and Jorgensen
James is not the only absentee. Levi Colwill is back on the grass, but it would be a surprise to see the centre-back play before the end of the season. Jamie Gittens was not seen in Chelsea training today.
Liam Rosenior, Manager of Chelsea looks on during the Carabao Cup Semi Final
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
However, there was one element of positive news and that comes in the form of Estevao, who was on the grass after his muscle injury. Rosenior delivered an update on the injury status of his Chelsea squad.
“Reece, he’s felt something in his hamstring at the end of the Newcastle game. We don’t know the full extent of the injury, but he will be out for tomorrow’s game. It could be [serious],” Rosenior said today.
“With a hamstring injury, it’s never great. Hopefully, we can get him scanned and find out the full extent. Malo is ill, so we’ll look at that. With Filip, he’s felt something in his groin and we will get him scanned.
How Chelsea will line-up against PSG on Wednesday night…
The injury to James is catastrophic for Chelsea’s chances of success between now and the end of the season. With some board members questioning Rosenior’s future, it is the last thing he needed.
START, BENCH, SELL: Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo and Reece James
Chelsea's top three players, but you can only start one! This should be interesting 👀
Cole Palmer of Chelsea (L) celebrates scoring
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Pedro Neto has escaped a UEFA ban after his incident with the ballboy at PSG, and he is likely to return to the Chelsea starting line-up after Alejandro Garnacho started in the 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United.
With James injured, as aforementioned, Gusto comes in at right-back having scored against PSG in the first leg while Santos starts in midfield. Robert Sanchez is likely to start in goal with Filip Jorgensen out.
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