Chelsea’s Malo Gusto will miss France U21s UEFA European qualifiers against Slovenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina this month.
On Monday evening, the French Football Federation [FFF] confirmed that the right-back has suffered a thigh injury. Therefore, he’s been “forced to withdraw” from the squad.
The fullback suffered a blow in Chelsea’s 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace on Sunday and was replaced in the 74th minute.
He still arrived at the training camp at Clairefontaine on Monday, before withdrawing from Gérald Baticle’s squad.
The Frenchman’s setback is a blow for Chelsea and Enzo Maresca will be hoping his injury isn’t serious. Gusto and Recce James are currently the recognised right-backs at Stamford Bridge.
James hasn’t made an appearance this season as a hamstring injury has forced him to spend close to a month on the sidelines. Gusto, on the other hand, has started three league games.
The Premier League side will take on AFC Bournemouth after this international break.
Renato Veiga started as a right-back in Chelsea’s 2-1 loss to Servette FC. Maresca could start the Portuguese left-back on the right side of the defence, if Gusto and James aren’t available to face Bournemouth.
