Marc Cucurella, Lavia, Colwill & other Chelsea injury news ahead of Bournemouth Premier League clash

The Blues have fared poorly in recent matches.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has explained his choices to substitute Marc Cucurella after the team’s loss to Aston Villa. The Blues were concerned about a potential injury to their left-back.

Joao Pedro had opened the score after a strong first half, but the visitors overcame the deficit with two goals from replacement Ollie Watkins.

Masreca on Marc Cucurella’s injury

Maresca, when asked why Malo Gusto replaced Cucurella, said:

“He was complaining about his hamstring, so we don’t know if it’s an injury or not. He asked for the change.”

Cucurella’s participation against Bournemouth on Tuesday is uncertain because he is now scheduled for scans on the problem area.

Thoughts on Palmer’s reaction

Palmer appeared frustrated when he was taken off in the 72nd minute for Estevao Willian.

Asked whether he had any issue with Palmer’s reaction, Maresca replied:

“No, he was working very well. On the ball and off the ball, pressing – he was very good.

“We have another game in 48 hours, so he was good and we’re happy that he’s back.”

Other Chelsea injury update

Dario Essugo’s return from injury has been postponed once more. A thigh injury sustained in September hindered the summer signing’s debut, and a November return to training was postponed.

Originally believed to be a setback with the same thigh problem, it has recently been established that Essugo has developed a different problem.

Due to a “muscle” injury he sustained against Qarabag in the Champions League early in November, Romeo Lavia is still out.

Maresca’s most recent report was rather worrisome because the head coach was unable to provide a return schedule. When asked if Lavia is anticipated to be absent for a short or lengthy period of time, Maresca said, “We don’t know.”

Since moving from Southampton for £53 million in the summer of 2023, Lavia has only made 29 appearances due to injury concerns.

Due to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, Levi Colwill will miss most of the season. Soon after Chelsea reported for preseason training at Cobham in August, days after winning the Club World Cup, the defender sustained a terrible injury. Colwill had surgery shortly after, and it is anticipated that he will miss a significant portion of the season.

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