Chelsea handed Malo Gusto, Moises Caicedo injury concerns?

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 13 September 2023

Chelsea handed Gusto, Caicedo injury concerns?

Chelsea seemingly have two more injury concerns ahead of their next Premier League fixture against Bournemouth on Sunday afternoon.

Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino has seemingly been handed two more injury concerns ahead of Sunday's Premier League game against Bournemouth.

The Argentine has been forced to linger on the club's last match, the Blues succumbing to a 1-0 defeat at home to Nottingham Forest.

As a result, Chelsea have collected just four points from as many league fixtures in 2023-24, and there is a desire to get back on track when they visit the South Coast.

However, since his arrival at Stamford Bridge, Pochettino has been forced to deal with a wide array of injury issues, sometimes leaving him short of numbers despite the club's activity in the transfer market.

On a plus note, defender Benoit Badiashile and forward Armando Broja are both closing in on a return to action after prolonged spells on the sidelines.

Chelsea's Benoit Badiashile applauds fans after the match on February 3, 2023 © Reuters

Nevertheless, as per football.london, two more players have seemingly joined the list of stars in the treatment room.

Malo Gusto and Moises Caicedo have been representing France Under-21s and Ecuador during the international break.

As a result of each wearing strapping on their thighs upon the completion of their respective recent matches, there is the suggestion that they may be considerable doubts for the meeting at the Vitality Stadium.

Any absence of Gusto would be viewed as the more notable, a consequence of fellow right-back Reece James already being unavailable with a hamstring problem.

Chelsea's Moises Caicedo pictured on August 20, 2023 © Reuters

Pochettino would have to consider switching Axel Disasi from his usual central role or using Ian Maatsen in an unfamiliar position if Gusto is not passed fit.

In theory, Caicedo would also be an option to take the place of the former Lyon man, yet it is unclear if the British-record arrival will be in contention for the weekend.

Although other midfielders such as Romeo Lavia and Carney Chukwuemeka are out until at least October, Pochettino would still have Enzo Fernandez, Conor Gallagher and Lesley Ugochukwu at his disposal.

Chelsea currently sit in 12th position in the Premier League standings, two points clear of 16th-placed Bournemouth.