Graham Potter has delivered some injury news on Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta, who was substituted off the field during this evening’s 1-0 defeat at Newcastle United.
Chelsea’s poor form continued on Saturday by losing at St James’ Park in the Premier League, which means they’ve lost their last three consecutive league games.
The Blues won’t have the chance to redeem themselves until 27 December due to the imminent break for the World Cup.
There’s a chance for the team to try reset after a really difficult period, but it’s going to be a horrible wait for supporters.
Jamie Carragher posted a fairly harsh reaction on Twitter after Chelsea’s latest result.
Cesar Azpilicueta injury
Chelsea captain Azpilicueta, 33, was substituted off the pitch at half-time against Newcastle.
The Spanish defender has been included in his nation’s World Cup squad for Qatar, so there’s a nervous wait now to hear just how bad the problem is.
Potter did confirm in his post-match interview that Azpiliueta was “feeling his calf”, but his early guess is that the injury isn’t too severe.
Chelsea’s head coach told Sky Sports: “Azpi was also struggling a little bit so we lost him at half-time.
“He was feeling his calf… I don’t think it was too bad, but nevertheless, not well enough to carry on.”
With Ruben Loftus-Cheek also forced off during the first-half against Newcastle, it highlights just how bad the team’s injury luck has been.
There’s no excuse for such a poor run of result given the depth in the squad, but you just can’t ignore the impact of these constant setbacks.
For certain, the Reece James absence has been the most notable problem in the last few games.
He brings so much on the right flank both offensively and defensively, so let’s hope he’s back and ready to go post-World Cup.
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