Malo Gusto starred once again for Chelsea in their 4-0 win against Preston North End in the FA Cup yesterday.
Malo Gusto has come into the Chelsea team following Reece James’ hamstring injury and has not disappointed.
In the Blues’ latest victory versus Preston, the right-back set up Armando Broja’s opener with a fantastic cross. And to celebrate his side’s triumph, he took to Instagram after the game to share a picture of himself with the caption “blue is the colour”.
With James set to be out for a while after undergoing hamstring surgery, Mauricio Pochettino needs Gusto to maintain this form.
The 20-year-old has really impressed former full-back Micah Richards, who has described him as “outstanding”.
Chelsea need Malo Gusto available
Like James, Gusto has also missed games this season because of injury and suspension.
However, Pochettino now needs him to avoid such things with his captain not around for the time being.
Marc Cucurella has shown that he can play at right-back this season, but the Spaniard is also sidelined at this moment in time.
Pochettino has used Axel Disasi in that position as well, but the 25-year-old just does not have Gusto’s dynamism and attacking quality, which is understandable considering that he is naturally a central defender.
Ultimately, all of the above is why Pochettino cannot afford to lose Gusto. But with the way Chelsea’s campaign has gone so far, it would not be a surprise if something happened to the France international.
The Blues have had so many injury issues this term, with Christopher Nkunku picking up yet another problem. It really has been that kind of season for Pochettino’s side.
On a more positive note, though, their win against Preston was their third successive victory. Hopefully there is more of the same to come from Gusto and his team-mates in the coming weeks.
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