Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has provided an injury update on Malo Gusto ahead of the upcoming trip to West Ham.
The Blues are currently preparing for Saturday’s clash away at London rivals West Ham in the Premier League. Will they be able to pick French defender Malo Gusto for the contest, though?
It was confirmed at the start of the week that Gusto was back in training after his recent injury absence. The 21-year-old right-back pulled out of September’s international camp with a muscle problem.
Chelsea then confirmed a couple of days ago that Gusto is on a different training plan as he works his way back to full fitness.
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Enzo Maresca update on Malo Gusto
Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Chelsea’s Gusto is unavailable for the trip to the London Stadium this weekend.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of West Ham, Maresca said via Football.London: “Malo is not fit, no.”
Reece James is still out injured for Chelsea, so they’re missing their two recognised senior right-backs. It was central defender Axel Disasi who covered at full-back last weekend in the win over Bournemouth.
Malo Gusto a big loss
Gusto has been such a key player for Chelsea since his arrival last summer, so much so that the levels don’t really drop when James is out of the side.
The young French star offers such a fantastic balance down the right flank with his offensive and defensive work. He’s even inverted into midfield at times in the new system, too.
Jason Cundy hailed Gusto as “outstanding” recently, which is the best way to describe him since he joined. Hopefully, his return from injury is imminent because he’s a big miss for the balance of the side.
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