Chelsea suffer setback with Emerson’s injury blow

Chelsea has now suffered an injury setback with first choice left-back, Emerson Palmieri sustaining what is suspected to be a thigh strain while on duty with the Italian National team.

The 25-year-old made an excellent start to the campaign, making impressive attacking runs and still keeping up with his defensive duties.

The Italian limped off only seven minutes into his side’s Euro 2020 qualifier clash with Finland. Emerson who has been in spectacular form for the Blues since the start of the campaign lined up alongside his Chelsea teammate, Jorginho but was soon replaced by Roma’s Alessandro Florenzi.

If the injury keeps him out on the sidelines for an extended period of time, Frank Lampard, who is short on options, might be left with only Marcos Alonso for the left-back position. The defender who is in the form of his life has already open talks over a new contract at Chelsea.

The Italian was in action for Roberto Mancini’s side in their 3-1 win over Armenia on Thursday. Italy started Sunday’s game three points atop Finland in Group J having secured five wins and one draw from their first six games.

The illustrious left-back is expected to be replaced by Spanish Marcos Alonso in the Blues starting XI. The Spaniard who has dropped down the pecking order at the Stamford Bridge hasn’t worked quite well in a back four formation and Lampard isn’t thought to be ready to alter his formation to accommodate him.

Alonso presence last term prevented Emerson Palmieri from proving that the €20 million paid for him to Roma was worth it. The 25-year-old pitched his tent at Stamford Bridge since January 2018 but has only made 39 appearances till date.

Having got the license to move forward in Lampard’s line-up, the left-back has looked much of a threat from the left flank, even coming so close to registering a goal on several occasions.

In spite of his impressive form, Chelsea has been a shadow of themselves at the back. Indeed, they are yet to keep a clean sheet in all five games they have played this term, conceding at least twice in three of their four Premier League games.

Wolves are backed at 3.00 to beat Chelsea, while the Blues are priced at 2.49 to win the match.

 
 
Written by: Roland Arum