Chelsea are getting ready for a make-or-break phase in their campaign with some welcome optimism on the injury front. With the UEFA Conference League semi-final approaching and still going for European qualification in the Premier League, the Blues are slowly bringing critical performers back from the treatment room.
Recent matches have also identified the progress made by players in recovering from injuries and the continuity of injury issues they continue to face. Romeo Lavia’s surprise return for the 1-0 win against Everton was a welcome plus, playing over an hour after making his first start in over three months. His return helped to alleviate an injury list that has been a thorn on the side of Enzo Maresca’s side for most of the season.
Gusto Recovery Provides Defensive Boost to Chelsea
Malo Gusto, the right-back, was absent for the win against Everton after sustaining an injury during the last game against Fulham. The coaching staff substituted the 20-year-old in that match, fearing he might miss forthcoming games. Enzo Maresca, however, provided a soothing report during his pre-match conference last Friday.
“Malo is hurt, but it doesn’t appear to be a serious injury,” Maresca stated. “He’s already running and doing other things outdoors, but he won’t be ready tomorrow. Hopefully, he can be ready for the next one.”
That coming game is Chelsea’s Conference League semi-final on the road against Djurgarden on Thursday, May 1. All things being equal, Gusto’s return would enormously boost Chelsea’s options at right-back, given that Reece James continues to work towards full fitness following a prolonged layoff.
Guiu Eyes Late-Season Comeback
Another player nearing recovery is Spanish forward Marc Guiu, who injured his groin while playing in Chelsea’s 2-1 victory over West Ham on January’s transfer deadline day. He strained his groin as he reached to take possession of a ball awkwardly and has been out for more than two months.
Maresca recently reported an encouraging update, indicating Guiu could be ready for the last few weeks of the campaign. “[Guiu] is near,” the manager stated. “Hopefully, it can be one week, two weeks, and he can be with us for the last part of the season.
With Chelsea’s busy schedule, particularly with European games in the pipeline, Guiu’s return might come at a timely moment. The 18-year-old forward has impressed since his arrival in West London and may provide a useful rotation option on the front line.
Long-Term Absentees: Fofana and Kellyman
Although news about Gusto and Guiu is positive, two Chelsea players are still out for the rest of the season. Defender Wesley Fofana had hamstring surgery early in April, which the club said was to allow him a long-term recovery. He is rehabilitating at Cobham and is hoping for a possible return for the Club World Cup next summer. But even that might be overly optimistic based on his recovery.
Midfielder Omari Kellyman is another long-term absentee. The 18-year-old, who was signed from Aston Villa in September, has hardly played for the club since suffering a serious hamstring injury shortly after joining. He played just three times in PL2 before having surgery, and he recently posted a social media update featuring himself recovering. Kellyman won’t be back until the summer.
As Chelsea head into a season-defining phase, the reinstatement of players such as Malo Gusto and Marc Guiu will be met with open arms by both the team staff and fans in general. Although the team remains without some of the major names in Fofana and Kellyman, it is a much better situation than just a few weeks prior.
The gradual reduction of Chelsea’s injury list may be a decisive factor as they look to pick up silverware in Europe and earn a Champions League spot next season.
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