Chelsea are counting the cost of United home defeat as injury concerns mount for key duo ahead of Brighton clash
Liam Rosenior is facing a nervous wait over the fitness of two Chelsea stars following a costly duel at Stamford Bridge that saw both Estevao Willian and Enzo Fernandez fail to finish the match due to injuries.
The West London club suffered a significant setback in their pursuit of European football, falling to a narrow 0-1 defeat against a resilient Manchester United side. Estevao was forced off early in the first half, while Fernandez also required late treatment in the dressing room.
The situation regarding Estevao is particularly distressing, with the 18-year-old Brazilian leaving the pitch after just 16 minutes of play.
Having nearly opened the scoring with a powerful effort that clipped the woodwork, the winger appeared to suffer a significant muscle issue while sprinting toward goal for a one-on-one opportunity.
Rosenior admitted after the final whistle that the youngster was “devastated” by the injury, which initial assessments suggest is related to his hamstring.
“He was crying at half time; it was really devastating for him,” he said.
“It looks like it’s his hamstring and that has happened in a moment when he’s running through on their goal for a one-v-one chance – he pulls his hamstring in that moment. I hope Este comes back sooner rather than later.’”
Midfield stability in question ahead of Brighton trip
The injury worries were compounded late in the game when Fernandez was forced to withdraw after 88 minutes of action.
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The Argentine midfielder, who had only just returned to the starting XI following a two-match absence, was replaced by Romeo Lavia after appearing to struggle with a lower-leg issue.
Rosenior noted that the player was receiving immediate treatment for a suspected calf problem, though there is a positive hope that the discomfort was merely a result of severe cramp after a high-work-rate performance.
The Chelsea coach remains optimistic that his midfield conductor will be available for the upcoming visit to Brighton & Hove Albion.
“I just saw him in the dressing room – I think it was his calf,” Rosenior noted.
“I’m hoping it’s cramp; he’s getting work on it right now because we want him, obviously, fit for Tuesday [against Brighton and Hove Albion].
“He ran himself into the ground for the club tonight and I expect nothing different from a man of his stature and quality.”
The defeat itself proved a bitter pill to swallow, as Matheus Cunha’s 43rd-minute strike, assisted by Bruno Fernandes, secured all three points for Michael Carrick’s side.
The result has significant implications for the Premier League table, moving United to 58 points in third place and leaving Chelsea in sixth, seven points adrift of the final Champions League spot currently held by Liverpool.