Chelsea sweating on fitness of key star after worrying Enzo Maresca comments | OneFootball

Chelsea face a nervous wait to find out the extent of a potential hamstring injury suffered by Marc Cucurella in the defeat to Aston Villa.

Cucurella was replaced by Malo Gusto in the 69th minute, with the game level at 1-1 before Ollie Watkins headed home a winner seven minutes from time.

The defeat means Chelsea sit fifth, three points behind Liverpool in fourth, and ten points behind Villa in third, in the race for Champions League football.

Enzo Maresca on Marc Cucurella injury

As if the defeat wasn’t bad enough, there was further bad news as Maresca confirmed Chelsea are now sweating on the outcome of a potential hamstring injury for Cucurella.

“Because he was complaining about his hamstring,” he told his post-match press conference.

“We don’t know if it’s an injury now or not. He asked for the change.”

Cucurella asked to be taken off in the second half. Photo by Luke Walker/Getty Images)

Cucurella has established himself as one of Chelsea’s most important players, and has been an ever present in the league this season, completing the 90 minutes in all but four matches.

Jorrel Hato was signed as the Spaniard’s back-up, but he missed the Villa game through injury, and there’s a chance Chelsea could be without both left back options for Tuesday’s game against Bournemouth.

Cole Palmer not happy to be taken off

Whilst Cucurella asked to come off, the same can’t be said for Cole Palmer, who was visibly frustrated to be taken off.

Maresca had stated before the game Palmer was ready to play 90 minutes, but that didn’t happen and he showed his frustration at the decision.

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The Italian insisted he had no problem with Palmer’s reaction, and stated he was happy with his level of performance.

Chelsea host Bournemouth on Tuesday night in what is now a huge game, and anything other than a win would see the club’s problems worsened.