Chelsea suffer triple injury blow before Leeds United FA Cup semi-final, with star in tears | OneFootball

Chelsea have suffered a triple injury setback ahead of next Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final with Leeds at Wembley. Joao Pedro missed the match, Estevao departed early in tears and captain Enzo Fernandez later went off in a 1-0 loss.

According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, the tie will cap a hectic run, with Leeds at Bournemouth on Wednesday and Chelsea at Fulham on Tuesday. Both clubs will be playing for the third time in nine days.

Chelsea faced a quick turnaround after a Saturday evening home clash in the Champions League race against Manchester United. They were beaten 1-0 as Matheus Cunha scored, having already lost Pedro to a thigh problem announced at team news. The club hope he can return for Tuesday’s trip to Craven Cottage.

During the game, 18-year-old Brazilian Estevao was forced off within minutes, then Fernandez was withdrawn with two minutes remaining. Post match, head coach Rosenior said he believed Fernandez’s issue was in his calf and was hoping it was only cramp. He added that Estevao appeared to pull a hamstring while running through on goal and was in tears at half-time.

Rosenior said they want Fernandez fit for Tuesday and that he hopes Estevao returns sooner rather than later. He explained Pedro had felt his thigh in recent days and was touch and go for the weekend.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk