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 most significant and deflating injury news of the week for Chelsea centred on Estevao Willian, who sustained a serious hamstring injury just 16 minutes into the match against Manchester United.
Having already sat out the Brighton defeat, it was subsequently confirmed that he had suffered a grade four injury, ruling him out for the remainder of the campaign.
And Chelsea interim boss Calum McFarlane even admitted on Friday morning that Estevao might even miss the World Cup. He said: “I’m not sure on that if I’m honest. He won’t be available for us. I’m sure he’s very hopeful he can make the World Cup but I don’t know on that.”
Both Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer missed the defeat to Brighton, but in a positive update, McFarlane said: “Joao [Pedro] and Cole [Palmer], they trained, they’re in a good place. We don’t know yet, we’ll have a look at them and make a call on that. They’re going to train tomorrow, so we are hopeful.”
However, Jamie Gittens is set to remain unavailable, with his hamstring injury sustained in January showing no clear return date. Furthermore, Levi Colwill, who hasn’t featured at all this season following a severe ACL injury picked up before the campaign began, continues his rehabilitation.
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 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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