Malo Gusto returns to Chelsea after sustaining injury with Lyon

Chelsea January transfer window signing Malo Gusto has returned to the London club after suffering a hamstring injury with Lyon.

Gusto sustained the injury against Troyes in early February and will now return to his parent club for treatment.

Chelsea paid £26.3 million to the French club for the right-back last month. However, he continued with Lyon on loan until the end of the season.

As is Chelsea’s protocol with most of their injured loan players, he will return to the club’s Cobham training ground to continue his recovery.

A club statement read: “Malo Gusto is to spend time at Cobham rehabilitating from an injury.

“The right-back, who signed for Chelsea in January, returned on loan to his previous club Lyon but having now been ruled out of action, he is expected to remain in England for a period of time under the supervision of our medical staff.”

It does not look like Gusto will be out for too long. Lyon manager Laurent Blanc said he could be on the bench for the coming games.

However, Chelsea decided to look after their summer purchase themselves.

The French youth international has been inconsistent this season but has continued to gain experience.

Gusto has made 17 Ligue 1 appearances this campaign, assisting one goal and helping his side keep two clean sheets.

While his more common statistics are not overly impressive, his underlying numbers help you understand why Chelsea bought him.

Gusto makes 3.1 progressive carries per 90, putting him in the 91st percentile for full-backs in Europe’s top five leagues. He plays 4.79 forward passes, ranking him in the 73rd percentile.

While he is still naive defensively, he does not shy away from his duties. His attacking numbers will also gradually improve.

Gusto will hope to return to action early so he can continue his season while readying himself ahead of his first campaign with Chelsea.