Another dramatic week on the blue side of London will culminate in an FA Cup semi-final clash between Chelsea and Leeds United at Wembley Stadium
After such a dramatic week at Stamford Bridge, it’s easy to forget there is an FA Cup semi-final for Chelsea. The Blues’ week began with a disappointing 3-0 away loss to Brighton and Hove Albion, which left the west Londoners’ hopes of qualifying for the Champions League in tatters.
It was a result that cost Liam Rosenior his job and led to Calum McFarlane being put in charge until the end of the season. The U21s boss still has an opportunity to win a trophy as interim manager, with Chelsea facing Leeds United in the FA Cup semi-final.
But with the Blues losing and drawing to Daniel Farke’s side this season, it’s a huge ask for the young interim manager. He will also have to do so with several key players out – Football London takes a look at who will be injured for the clash at Wembley.
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Chelsea
The biggest and most disappointing injury news for the week was the awful hamstring injury Estevao Willian suffered. He went down injured after 16 minutes against Manchester United.
After he missed the clash against Brighton, it was confirmed he had a grade four injury, which is expected to keep him out for the rest of the season. He will be absent this weekend.
Meanwhile, there is still doubt regarding the fitness of Joao Pedro. He was absent against his former club Brighton, and before the game, Rosenior admitted it would be touch and go as to whether he had recovered from his thigh injury in time for this weekend.
Cole Palmer was also ruled out against Brighton with a hamstring injury, but Rosenior was more hopeful the England international would be available, saying: “He’s out for this game and we’ll see how he moves on for the FA Cup semi-final.”
Jamie Gittens is expected to remain injured, with no timeline set for the hamstring injury he suffered in January. In addition, Levi Colwill, who has not kicked a ball all season, having suffered a serious ACL injury before the start of the campaign, will remain on the sidelines.
Leeds United
Leeds are also enduring their own injury issues heading into Wembley. Ilia Gruev was ruled out of their recent 2-2 away draw with Bournemouth, but Farke confirmed the injury he suffered is a serious one. The Leeds boss said: “Sadly bad news with Ilia Gruev.
“A meniscus injury is confirmed and will keep him out for the whole season and he won’t be able to help us for the FA Cup or the run-in. We expect to have him back for the start of pre-season. It’s not ideal for us and we all feel for him.”
Jayden Bogle is also an injury doubt, having picked up a foot injury, but Farke has his fingers crossed the ace who scored in the 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge can recover in time. He said: “Jayden Bogle got a hit against his foot.
“It seems to be not too bad. We need to wait and see how quickly he can recover, we hope to have him available.”
It will also be touch and go as to whether German international Anton Stach will be fit in time. He recently went over on his ankle and has not returned to training. Speaking about his fellow countryman, Farke added: “He’s not yet in team training.
“But we have a few more days and we will see. Of course if a key player like him is back in training then he has a chance. Let’s see in the next 72 hours.”
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