Chelsea star withdraws from international duty after MRI reveals ‘small injury’

Malo Gusto will remain with Chelsea during the international break after withdrawing from the France U21 squad due to a ‘small injury’.

The 20-year-old has been playing with strapping on his knee, seen when he was substituted on during Chelsea’s 4-4 draw against Manchester City on Sunday evening.

Gusto, though, was called up to the France U21 squad for their November matches against Austria and South Korea.

However, the Chelsea defender has withdrawn, as reported by L’Equipe, following an MRI scan which revealed ‘a small injury to the medial lateral ligament in his right knee’.

It means Gusto will stay at Cobham under the supervision of Mauricio Pochettino and his medical staff as they monitor his fitness ahead of facing Newcastle United in just under two weeks time.

Fellow right-back Reece James is also remaining with Chelsea during the international break after snubbing an England call-up as he continues to focus on getting back to full fitness.

“I think, never it is the decision of the player,” revealed Pochettino on James. “It is about assessing, the medical staff, the sport science and coaching staff, we always take decisions. Not the players. The players cannot assess themselves. They can sometimes feel something.

“He is desperate to go to the national team. I think it’s good for the national team to have communication with the club, to take the best decision for the player, the national team and for Chelsea.”

Meanwhile, Cole Palmer was promoted into the England senior side due to several injury withdrawals from Gareth Southgate’s camp for their Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia.

Levi Colwill‘s availability for England is being monitored after he missed the draw against Man City due to a shoulder issue.