Chelsea handed injury scare as defender pulls out of international duty

The injury-hit Blues appear to have suffered a fresh blow as the international break kicks on.

Chelsea defender Malo Gusto is at risk of being sidelined due to a knee injury suffered over the weekend.

On Monday, Gusto withdrew from the France under-21 squad. The French Football Federation (FFF) stated that an MRI scan showed he had a “small lesion of the internal lateral ligament”.

At this moment, it is unclear how serious or how long it may take Gusto to recover from his injury.

The 20-year-old has featured prominently for Chelsea this season, having made 11 appearances. He has played in the Premier League nine times, six as a starter, and twice in the Carabao Cup. He also played for 24 minutes as a second-half substitute in Sunday’s 4-4 thriller against Manchester City.

Chelsea hope for the return of some injured players before a busier period starting on November 25, when they visit Newcastle United.

Christopher Nkunku and Romeo Lavia are reportedly targeting returns by the end of the month. Levi Colwill could be back for the Newcastle game after missing last weekend’s action because of a shoulder issue.

Ben Chilwell might return by mid-December, but Carney Chukwuemeka and Wesley Fofana’s return dates remain unspecified.