Enzo Maresca provides worrying fitness update about Chelsea star after loss to Aston Villa

Chelsea have been handed an injury scare as Enzo Maresca confirmed that Marc Cucurella was asked to be taken off due to an issue with his hamstring during their Premier League clash against Aston Villa.

Cucurella started Chelsea’s 2-1 defeat to Villa on Saturday, but the left-back was taken off in the 69th minute and replaced by Malo Gusto.

During the post-match press conference, Maresca was asked about the thinking behind Gusto coming on for Cucurella, to which he said:

“Because he [Cucurella] was complaining about a hamstring, so we don’t know if it’s an injury now or not. So, he asked for the change.”

The Blues are now set for a nervous wait, with Evening Standard reporting that Cucurella has been sent for scans after he was forcefully hooked off in the second half. The severity of the injury remains to be known, throwing his involvement against Bournemouth on Tuesday, December 30, into significant doubt.

Cucurella has been an ever-present figure for Chelsea this season, having started 17 of the club’s 18 Premier League matches. Across competitions, he has made 24 appearances, registering two assists.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca says he’s not upset with Cole Palmer’s reaction after being substituted

Three minutes after Gusto came on for Cucurella, Cole Palmer was substituted, with Estevao Willian coming on for him. However, Palmer appeared frustrated with the decision and slammed the seat in front of him as he sat down on the bench.

“No, no,” Maresca responded when asked if he was concerned with Palmer’s response. “He was working very good. He was on the ball and off the ball, pressing, he was very good. We have another game now in 48 hours, so he was good and we are happy that he’s back.”

When asked again whether he had an issue with Palmer’s reaction, Maresca reiterated his stance:

“No, no, no. Absolutely.”

Palmer returned to action for the Blues earlier this month after a lengthy injury layoff. However, he has yet to play the full 90 minutes since his return. So far this season, he has made eight appearances across all competitions and scored three goals.

Edited by Ezekiel Olamide