Malo Gusto adds more problems for Chelsea after being taken off due to a hamstring issue against Burnley

Chelsea’s Premier League season is all set for yet another mid-table finish after the latest setback against Burnley on Saturday (Mar 30) at Stamford Bridge. Mauricio Pochettino’s side is now 16 points adrift of fifth-placed Tottenham, which could be the final Champions League qualification spot depending on UEFA coefficients. But their woes in the Premier League were rounded off on Saturday after the latest injury setback in the form of Malo Gusto, who went off injured in the 2-2 draw.

Malo Gusto Injury

Having been troubled with injury issues throughout the season, Gusto suffered an apparent hamstring issue which could add more problems to the Blues. He was substituted late in the match when the score was 2-2 Alfie Gilchrist came on as a sub. The Frenchman was seen clutching his hamstring and looked in pain as he hobbled off the pitch in West London. The resulting injury will be of greater significance for the Blues considering Reece James is already out with an injury.

While there is no official word on Gusto’s injury by the club, it is expected that he could be out for at least 3-4 weeks. If this is the case, Chelsea will be struggling to field a first-choice right back as James is yet to recover from his long-term injury. Matter of fact, Pochettino confirmed that he has no idea when James could be back in the side and playing, leaving him in a state of limbo.

Chelsea’s current state is no different from what it was at the start of the season, Robert Sanchez, Ben Chilwell, and Carney Chukwuemeka were all not available due to injury issues for the Burnley clash. But now Gusto is injured and an important season-defining match against Manchester City is approaching, Chelsea will have to find the solution.

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Chelsea  fail to capitalise

On paper, Chelsea should have won the contest with Burnley fighting relegation throughout the season. Their task was even made easier when Lorenz Assignon was sent off for a foul inside the box just before half time with Cole Palmer then scoring from the spot. Despite the brace from Cole Palmer and having a man advantage, Chelsea could not manage to walk away with three points in the match and had to settle for a draw.

The Blues’ hopes of reaching European football next season now rely on the FA Cup, where they will have to win the competition. They face City in the semis later in the month and could take on Manchester United if they beat Coventry City in the other semifinal.

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