Chelsea suffer another injury blow as forward withdraws from international duty | OneFootball

Jamie Gittens Injury Blow as Chelsea Winger Leaves England Under-21s Squad

Chelsea have an injury concern to assess after Jamie Gittens withdrew from the England Under-21s squad and returned to Cobham with an ankle problem.

The winger was forced off in the 39th minute of England’s 4-2 Euro Under-21 qualifying win over Kazakhstan on Friday night. England were already 2-0 up at that stage, with Chelsea team-mate Josh Acheampong among the goalscorers, before Gittens’ night ended early. He was replaced by Tyrique George.

England Under-21s Lose Gittens Early

There was no great mystery after full-time. Gittens was seen on crutches, and that usually tells you enough. Lee Carsley then confirmed the obvious, saying: “Jamie got a kick on his ankle. We never take risks. He will go back.”

That means Chelsea’s medical staff now take over. The immediate task is simple, determine the extent of the damage and establish how long he could be out. Until those checks are completed, any firm timetable would be guesswork.

Photo IMAGO

Chelsea Waiting on Ankle Assessment

The Football Association confirmed on Monday that Gittens had officially withdrawn from the squad, along with Norwich City pair Kellen Fisher and Ben Chrisene, both also sidelined through injury. Divine Mukasa, the West Ham forward on loan from Manchester City, has been drafted in as cover.

England Under-21s now continue their schedule without Gittens, facing Slovakia in Stoke on Friday before a trip to Cork to take on the Republic of Ireland next Tuesday.

Jamie Gittens Faces Fresh Chelsea Setback

For Gittens, this is awkward timing. Minutes have already been hard to find this season, with his only appearances coming in Carabao Cup wins over Luton and Leeds. A fresh injury, even one that proves minor, does him no favours.

Chelsea kept hold of him despite summer interest from Roma and made it clear he remained part of their plans. That stance now puts the focus back on fitness. If Gittens is fit, he has a chance. If he is not, the queue moves on quickly.