Chelsea have been dealt a fresh injury blow after manager Liam Rosenior confirmed Jamie Gittens has suffered a hamstring tear.
The winger is now expected to miss an extended period of action and has been described as a ‘more long-term’ absentee.
Gittens was forced off in the 26th minute of Saturday’s 3-2 comeback win over West Ham United.
He was subsequently omitted from the squad for Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup semi-final defeat away to Arsenal.
Speaking after the match, Rosenior confirmed scans had revealed a tear in the player’s hamstring.
No clear timeframe has been placed on Gittens’ return, with Rosenior stressing it is too early to make predictions.
The 20-year-old has featured regularly since arriving from Borussia Dortmund last summer.
He has bagged one goal and five assists in 27 appearances for Chelsea this season.
His absence further thins Chelsea’s attacking options following a quiet winter transfer window.
Alejandro Garnacho, Pedro Neto and Estevao are now the club’s only remaining natural senior wingers.
That situation was compounded by Tyrique George’s deadline-day departure to Everton.
Chelsea are also monitoring the fitness of Neto and captain Reece James.
Both players missed the Arsenal game and are doubtful for Saturday’s Premier League trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Rosenior said it was too early to confirm whether either would be available.
There was more positive news regarding Cole Palmer and Estevao. Both players are considered fit enough to play a full 90 minutes against Wolves.
Palmer’s workload continues to be carefully managed after an injury-disrupted season.
Rosenior stressed there is no fixed timeline for the midfielder to return to playing consecutive full matches.
