Chelsea dealt injury blow ahead of Brentford clash with Malo Gusto ruled out | OneFootball

Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has issued a mixed injury update ahead of Saturday’s must-win London derby six-pointer against Brentford at Stamford Bridge.

He has confirmed that Malo Gusto is unavailable. The France international is still battling discomfort that could keep him out for a third game in a row.

Gusto has been a key player for Chelsea this season. He has only missed two of the club’s 19 Premier League games, contributing two goals and two assists.

The 22-year-old right back missed Chelsea’s last two cup fixtures against Charlton Athletic and Arsenal due to injury, and he won’t be ready in time to face the Bees.

Rosenior has confirmed that Gusto trained on his own at Cobham on Thursday, but didn’t clarify when the defender will return to the fold.

“I can’t put a time frame on it, because there is no time frame,” Rosenior told reporters during his pre-match press conference.

“It’s more of a pain issue, so when he feels comfortable, that’s when he’ll be back with the group.”

There was encouraging news surrounding Dario Essugo.

The Portuguese midfielder, who joined Chelsea in a deal worth around £18.5 million, is yet to play a single minute this season.

He hasn’t had a chance to prove his worth due to injuries, but was an unused substitute across the last two cup fixtures.

“He was very close to coming on against Arsenal,” Rosenior added.

“Dario’s close. I’m aware of his abilities, but I want to give him the best possible moment to show himself in the best way coming back from a long time out because he is a very good player.”

Rosenior has endured a mixed start to life at Chelsea but will hope to get his side back to winning ways when they host Brentford.