Chelsea injury crisis deepens with eight players sidelined
Chelsea’s injury problems have grown to eight players ahead of the Premier League’s return, with Jamie Gittens the latest player to suffer a setback during the international break.
Gittens was forced off shortly before half-time during England Under-21s’ 4-2 victory over Kazakhstan on Friday after picking up an ankle problem.
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The winger is now returning to Chelsea for further assessment, leaving manager Xabi Alonso waiting for more information before planning for the club’s demanding October schedule.
Gittens latest to join injury list
England Under-21 manager Lee Carsley confirmed Gittens suffered a knock to his ankle and would leave the squad rather than risk aggravating the problem.
Gittens, who joined Chelsea from Borussia Dortmund for a reported £51.5 million, has yet to establish a sustained run of matches since his move.
His latest setback adds to an injury list that already includes goalkeeper Mike Penders and midfielder Cole Palmer.
Penders suffered a thigh problem while on international duty with Belgium, while Palmer withdrew from the England squad to follow an individual training programme.
England manager Thomas Tuchel said Palmer was dealing with discomfort and pain and could not compete at the required level.
Chelsea face packed October schedule
Chelsea’s other absentees include Joao Pedro, Reece James, Moises Caicedo, Marco Palestra and Emmanuel Emegha, leaving Alonso with concerns across several areas of the squad.
The absence of Penders has also reduced Chelsea’s options in goal, while the injuries in attack and midfield could further limit Alonso’s ability to rotate his team.
Chelsea are due to resume Premier League action against Bournemouth on October 10 before facing Everton on October 17 and Tottenham on October 24.
A Capital One Cup meeting with Liverpool follows on October 28, with Manchester United awaiting them three days later.
The club will therefore hope several of their injured players can return quickly as Alonso prepares for a demanding run of fixtures.