Chelsea suffer new injury worry ahead of crucial Barcelona and Arsenal clashes

Chelsea have been handed a number of injury concerns this season and now boss Enzo Maresca has a fresh worry ahead of a key run of games both in the Premier League and Champions League

Chelsea have been handed a fresh injury concern with summer signing Jamie Gittens having picked up an issue. The winger, signed from Borussia Dortmund in the summer, was in action for England under-21s on Friday night as they took on the Republic of Ireland.

But Gittens’ evening ended early as he was withdrawn just after the hour mark after attempting to evade a tackle from James McManus. Gittens headed straight down the tunnel after being replaced by Fulham starlet Joshua King.

England under-21 boss Lee Carsley will hope that the youngster has avoided an issue as he prepares his side for their upcoming clash against Slovakia on Tuesday evening. Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca will also be keeping a close eye on the winger.

Gittens was signed for £48.5m from Dortmund in the summer and he has gone on to make 14 appearances in all competitions – six of those starts – and has scored once, as well as providing three assists.

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Fortunately, Maresca has not been afraid to rotate his side this season despite criticism from Wayne Rooney. Speaking about his approach, the Chelsea boss said: “We are in an era where anyone can say what they want. Since I joined the club, it’s my view to rotate players. No-one complains when you win. When you don’t win I can understand no-one is agreeing.

“I loved rotation as a player. Football is a bit different compared to years ago in terms of physicality and intensity. It’s impossible to play with the same players 65 games in one season.

“If you want to see the season like a marathon, when you are in February and March, the last sprint, you have to think in a different way. But it’s a long race.”

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Chelsea currently sit third in the Premier League following a promising start to the new season. They have also had a productive start to the new Champions League campaign, having won two of their opening four games.

Maresca will hope that his side can continue that form over what is set to be a tricky run of fixtures. Chelsea return to action next weekend against newly-promoted Burnley, while Barcelona, Arsenal, Leeds, Bournemouth and Atalanta are all set to come ahead of a hectic festive period.

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