Chelsea will be without two first-team players in their upcoming European tie against Djurgarden because of a double injury blow.
Chelsea have now landed in Stockholm ahead of Thursday night’s match against Swedish opposition Djurgarden.
The Blues have been the pre-tournament favourites in this season’s Conference League, and they’ve set up a semi-final clash against Djurgarden after winning nine out of 10 games in the competition.
Chelsea play away in Thursday’s first leg versus Djurgarden before the second leg at home seven days later.
One astonishing statistic is that Chelsea flop Raheem Sterling earns more Djurgarden’s entire squad, which highlights the type of upset it’ll be if the Swedish club go through across two legs.
Injured Chelsea duo Christopher Nkunku and Robert Sanchez left out of squad
Journalist Nizaar Kinsella reported via X that Chelsea stars Christopher Nkunku and Robert Sanchez, both 27, are both missing from Chelsea’s squad for the trip to face Djurgarden. This has since been confirmed by the club, too.
He explains that attacker Nkunku received a small knock in training. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Sanchez is recovering from a leg injury in Saturday’s Premier League victory over Everton.
When asked about Nkunku’s injury blow, head coach Enzo Maresca said via Chelsea’s YouTube channel: “It has just happened. We will have more news on Friday when we are back.”
Nkunku has really enjoyed playing in this season’s Conference League, scoring five goals in nine games. He netted twice in the qualifying rounds, too.
Therefore, it feels like a real individual blow that he’s absent for Thursday’s match.
Robert Sanchez made the Team of the Week after his Premier League display at the weekend. Hopefully, his omission is only a precaution because he could have an important role to play in the club’s final four league games.
Regardless, Filip Jorgensen has emerged as the club’s preferred starter in goal when it comes to Europe.
Chelsea confirm travelling squad vs Djurgarden
It’s been confirmed via Chelsea’s official website that a 23-man squad have gone to Sweden for the first leg versus Djurgarden.
- Goalkeepers: Lucas Bergstrom, Ted Curd, Filip Jorgensen
- Defenders: Josh Acheampong, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah, Levi Colwill, Marc Cucurella, Malo Gusto, Reece James
- Midfielders: Mathis Amougou, Moises Caicedo, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Enzo Fernandez, Reggie Walsh
- Forwards: Tyrique George, Nicolas Jackson, Noni Madueke, Shim Mhueka, Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer, Jadon Sancho
Aside from the aforementioned injury absences, the squad stands out for the inclusion of some young prospects alongside the first-team stars.
Ted Curd, 19, and Reggie Walsh, 16, are yet to make their first-team debuts for Chelsea. They’ve featured in senior matchday squads before, though.
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