Overview
- Cucurella asked to come off at 69 minutes complaining of hamstring discomfort, with Malo Gusto replacing him in the 2-1 loss to Aston Villa.
- Medical scans have been arranged, leaving his involvement on Tuesday against Bournemouth in significant doubt.
- Backup option Jorrel Hato missed the Villa match through injury, creating a risk that Chelsea could lack both primary left-sided defenders.
- Enzo Maresca downplayed Cole Palmer’s visible frustration at being substituted and praised his work rate ahead of the rapid turnaround.
- Cucurella has logged the full 90 minutes in all but four league games this season, underscoring the potential impact of any absence as Chelsea sit fifth after Ollie Watkins’ late winner for Villa.