Chelsea appear to have lost two more players to injury during the international break, with an England star spotted on crutches after limping off the pitch. Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro have already pulled out of their respective national teams over fitness concerns, but this extended international break is proving to be a bruising one for the Blues.
Penders doubtful for Belgium
Firstly, back-up goalkeeper Mike Penders was left out of the Belgium squad for their 2-0 victory over Italy in the Nations League on Friday night. Belgium’s next game is against France on Monday, and while Penders has not formally withdrawn from the squad, there are major doubts over his availability.
Reports claim the 21-year-old hurt his quadriceps in training, which could rule him out for a number of weeks or even months depending on the severity of the injury. Though currently Emiliano Martinez’s understudy, Penders is highly-regarded at Chelsea and started both of their Carabao Cup wins this season.
Gittens suffers ankle injury
In more concerning news, Jamie Gittens has pulled out of the England U21 squad after appearing to pick up a severe ankle injury while playing against Kazakhstan. The winger started the 4-2 win for the Young Lions but was forced off in the 39th minute to be replaced by his former Chelsea teammate Tyrique George.
Worryingly, the 22-year-old was later pictured leaving Molineux on crutches, casting doubt over his availability for his club in the near future.
‘Jamie got a kick on his ankle. We never take any risks,’ England U21 manager Lee Carsley said. ‘With the age of these players we don’t ever keep them in camp to see how they are. He will go back.’
Impact on Chelsea’s squad depth
Gittens has largely struggled since his £52million transfer from Borussia Dortmund last year and does not appear to be in Alonso’s immediate plans, having not played a single minute of Premier League football this season.
Nevertheless, if he and Penders are indeed sidelined for a long period of time, it will test Chelsea’s strength of depth as they look to qualify for the Champions League and win the domestic cups. The Blues are back in action on October 10 when they welcome win-less Bournemouth to Stamford Bridge.
