Chelsea defender pulls out of international duty with France squad due to injury

Chelsea defender Malo Gusto has pulled out of international duty with the France Under-21s squad due to the thigh injury he sustained against Crystal Palace last weekend.

The Blues have made a mixed start to the 2024-25 Premier League season, recording one win and one loss ahead of Sunday's 1-1 draw at home to the Eagles.

Gusto started at right-back for Chelsea in their three league games this season, filling in for club captain Reece James who has been serving a three-match ban carried over from the end of last season.

However, the 21-year-old full-back was forced off during the second half of Sunday's draw at Stamford Bridge, clutching the back of his leg with 15 minutes remaining in the match.

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Gusto ruled out of France Under-21s squad through injury

Gusto was named in France's Under-21s squad for the European Championship qualifiers against Slovenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina and joined the squad on Monday.

However, he is now one of three players who have been ruled out of those fixtures, withdrawing from the French camp along with Lens midfielder Andy Diouf and Burnley defender Maxime Esteve.

The French Football Federation confirmed on Tuesday morning that Gusto is dealing with a thigh issue which will prevent him from featuring for Les Blues this month.

Chelsea return to action with an away game against Bournemouth on September 14 and will be hopeful that Gusto will be fit for that match given that James has also been dealing with a hamstring injury.

The 24-year-old England international featured in just 10 Premier League matches for the Blues last season and missed their Europa Conference League playoff games against Servette last week.

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Chelsea transfer business continues beyond English summer deadline

Chelsea had another busy transfer window this summer, bringing in a total of 12 new players, including Jadon Sancho from Manchester United on deadline day on a season-long loan deal with an obligation to buy him at the end of the term.

However, the Blues' transfer business did not end on Friday with the club agreeing a deal for Angelo Gabriel to join Al-Nassr on a permanent transfer earlier today.

The winger joined Chelsea last summer from Brazilian club Santos, where he made his debut at just 15 years, 10 months, and four days old.

Angelo was sent on loan to Strasbourg for the 2023/24 season and made 24 appearances during his time in France before returning to Stamford Bridge ahead of the Blues pre-season tour of the USA.

The club announced the teenager's departure on their official website, stating: "We wish Angelo the very best as he begins the next chapter in his career and thank him for his efforts during his time with Chelsea."

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