MUNICH, Germany — Chelsea’s 3-1 Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich has been compounded by devastating injury news. Right-back Malo Gusto, already reeling from a costly mistake that gifted Harry Kane the go-ahead goal, has suffered a grade-two hamstring tear and will be sidelined for six to eight weeks.
Enzo Maresca confirmed the setback post-match, describing it as “not a good one,” with sources fearing the recurrence could derail the 22-year-old’s season. Gusto collapsed clutching his thigh in the 78th minute, shortly after a misplaced pass in midfield led directly to Bayern’s second goal. Despite that error, his defensive workrate — 12 tackles, 11.7km covered, seven duels won — had earlier spared Chelsea a heavier defeat.
This is the latest blow in a turbulent campaign for the Frenchman, who endured two red cards and a three-month hamstring layoff last season. His exit now leaves Maresca short on the right flank, where Gusto had recently re-established himself ahead of captain Reece James.
But the bad news doesn’t stop there. Maresca is expected to deliver a late-night briefing confirming further injuries to Roméo Lavia (knee, four weeks) and Liam Delap (hamstring, three weeks). Reports also suggest he may unveil a tactical shake-up: moving James into midfield permanently alongside Moisés Caicedo, with Marc Cucurella or teenage prospect Josh Acheampong filling in at right-back.
The timing could hardly be worse. Chelsea’s long-awaited Champions League return was supposed to mark a new era under Maresca after Conference League and Club World Cup success. Instead, Bayern’s intensity exposed midfield frailties, with Enzo Fernández and Caicedo both struggling to cope. Maresca admitted, “We chased shadows in the second half – intensity killed us.”
The fallout has been fierce. Fans split on social media, with some defending Gusto as a “saviour” and others blaming him for the collapse. Pundits also clashed: Gary Neville called James’ public defence of Gusto “divisive,” while Rio Ferdinand praised his leadership.
As Chelsea prepare for a London derby against Tottenham followed by Arsenal midweek, Maresca faces mounting pressure. Gusto’s injury not only tests the squad’s depth but threatens to derail early hopes of a strong European run.
For Gusto, rehabilitation begins immediately. For Chelsea, reinvention may be the only way forward.
