- Chalobah ruled out for six weeks
- Levi Colwill back in training ahead of Everton clash
- Rosenior urges Chelsea to fight against Everton
Chelsea head to Everton amid a defensive injury crisis after an embarrassing 8-2 defeat to PSG in the Champions League.
Everton welcome Chelsea to Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday, with the visitors arriving in the midst of a full-blown defensive injury crisis. Liam Rosenior’s side have been dealt a series of injury blows that could leave them vulnerable against an Everton side chasing European qualification.
The Blues’ problems began in midweek when centre-back Trevoh Chalobah was stretchered off during the Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. The 26-year-old, who has played the most minutes of any Chelsea outfielder this season, sustained a high ankle sprain that will keep him sidelined for approximately six weeks.
Rosenior confirmed the news in his pre-match press conference. “Obviously, it’s never good that Trevoh is out for any period of time, but fortunately, it’s not as serious as we first feared. It’s still a serious injury but we’re looking at a period of six weeks.” The Chelsea boss said.
Chelsea injury crisis
The Chalobah setback is far from the only headache for Rosenior. Captain Reece James remains sidelined with a hamstring issue sustained against Newcastle United last weekend. While the manager described it as “not serious,” James will be monitored after the international break and will miss Saturday’s fixture against Everton. Long-term absentee Levi Colwill is training following his ACL injury but is “still looking at a good while yet” before a first-team return.
Filip Jorgensen has undergone minor groin surgery and is unavailable, while Benoit Badiashile was also absent from the PSG match through illness. Jorrel Hato could continue at centre-back alongside whoever partners him in a makeshift defence. This is something I believe Everton can exploit but have problems of their own scoring goals consistently.
Rosenior urges squad to fight against Everton
Rosenior acknowledged the scale of the task ahead. “We have to fight our way out of it. We make sure we go to Everton with a really fit fresh squad willing to fight for the shirt and get the three points that we need,” he said. “We have to fight for everything. We have to make sure that at the minimum this club is in this competition again next season.”
Opportunity for Everton
For David Moyes, this represents a genuine opportunity. Chelsea sit sixth with 48 points, just five ahead of Everton’s 43, and their defensive absentees could prove decisive. The Toffees have already shown this season that they can hurt vulnerable defences, with Dwight McNeil and Iliman Ndiaye both in form. I believe Everton will have a massive chance against the London side if they can take their chances in front of the goal.
Verdict on the game
Rosenior’s side have lost three consecutive matches in all competitions and managed only one clean sheet in 14 league games under his management. With a depleted backline and confidence low after the PSG humiliation, I believe Everton have every reason to believe they can add another significant scalp to their impressive season.
The Toffees have won two of their last three home league meetings with Chelsea, and Saturday’s fixture offers a golden chance to close the gap on their other opponents and strengthen their own European ambitions.
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