Chelsea hit with six-man injury crisis ahead of Liverpool clash

Chelsea’s interim manager, Calum McFarlane, has confirmed that the club is facing a major injury crisis ahead of their Premier League clash against Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday, with six players currently unavailable or doubtful.

Speaking ahead of the encounter, McFarlane revealed that goalkeeper Robert Sanchez will miss the match after sustaining a head injury during Chelsea’s 3–1 defeat to Nottingham Forest.

He also confirmed that Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho are unlikely to feature after picking up knocks in training, further depleting the squad’s attacking options.

The injury situation has left Chelsea without a natural winger available for the trip to Merseyside. Although Cole Palmer remains fit and has occasionally played on the right flank this season, the club has no recognised wide options on the opposite side.

The setback is compounded by long-term injuries to Estevao Willian and Jamie Gittens, both sidelined with hamstring problems. Youngster Jesse Derry has also been ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering a head injury during his Premier League debut against Nottingham Forest.

Providing an update on Derry’s condition, McFarlane said: “I spoke to Jesse’s dad the night it happened and the family yesterday. It’s positive. As long as he’s healthy, that’s all that really matters. He’s not going to be available between now and the end of the season.”

Despite the growing list of absentees, Chelsea received a slight boost with the return of Reece James and Levi Colwill to full training, giving them a possible option for the Liverpool clash.

McFarlane, whose side are currently enduring a difficult run of six consecutive Premier League defeats, admitted he will have to adjust his tactical approach.

“We’ve still got a lot of good players available that can impact football games,” he said. “We’re going to have to make up for some of the players we’re missing in different ways in the way we shape the team.”