Chelsea secured a huge win on Sunday as they continue their battle for a Champions League spot, but it came at a cost.
The Blues fought back from behind at Craven Cottage to win 2-1, with Tyrique George levelling the score-line and Pedro Neto slamming in a brilliant winner in stoppage time.
After the game, Blues boss Enzo Maresca described the win as his side’s ‘toughest’ of the season so far. He said: “Today was an important win because first of all it’s a derby, second it gives us the chance to be there [in the Champions League qualification places].
It was probably the most difficult win [of the season] and the reason why is because they all played yesterday, so for us it was a must-win game. And I think after we conceded the goal, that is the reason why we struggled a bit more because for the players it became more difficult and second half we were much better.
“I was very happy, first of all because it’s a nice feeling to win the game at the end but I think it was a moment for the players because they deserve to share that moment with the fans. So this is the reason why I left the pitch immediately. When we scored the second one, I celebrated and this is the reason why they gave me a yellow card. But for sure I think it was a nice moment for the players and for the fans to share that moment, it’s important and, I said already many times, the players need to feel the support.”
But while the win will go a long way to boosting Chelsea’s top five hopes, breaking their poor run of form, there was a key injury blow, with Malo Gusto coming off early due to injury. Here we round up the later on the full-back and on the Blues’ injury situation as a whole.
Malo Gusto
Malo Gusto was forced off during Chelsea’s win over Fulham, and Maresca confirmed after the game that it was a muscular issue. He said: “Not a good one. A muscular problem. Unfortunately it looks like a muscular injury.”
We won’t know for sure until Gusto has a scan and the results are released, but at this stage of the season, if there is any sort of significant muscular injury, Gusto’s season is likely to be over.
Likely return date: Next season
Wesley Fofana
Fofana will not return this season. Maresca has already confirmed: “Unfortunately, Wes will be out for the rest of the season.” Fofana has had a torrid time with injuries over recent years and can’t seem to buy a break.
Likely return date: Next season
Omari Kellyman
Kellyman has confirmed he will miss the end of the season, writing on social media: “Beyond gutted to say that this season has come to an early end for me due to a re-injury of my hamstring. 24-25 has been a tough season for me mentally and physically due to injury, but it’s important now that I take time to get this right.”
Kellyman has not had chance to make his mark at Chelsea yet, and his wait goes on, with the youngster having struggled with injury for the entirety of this season.
Likely return date: Next season
Marc Guiu – Out
Guiu is still out, but he could return in the next couple of weeks.
Maresca said last week: “We have good news on Marc. From today, he looks quite good, much better, and he can be back before the season finishes.”
Guiu will be hoping to play a role in the run-in, and indeed in Chelsea’s bid to secure Conference League glory, with the striker playing in the competition earlier this season.
Likely return date: May
Mykhailo Mudryk – Out (Suspended)
Mudryk remains out due to a suspension over alleged consumption of a banned substance. Maresca has said: “The only thing I can say is that we are close to Mykhailo as a club, and we are trying to help him.”
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