The injury occurred during last week’s 3-2 Premier League victory over West Ham, ruling Gittens out of Tuesday’s English League Cup semifinal second leg against Arsenal. Speaking on Thursday, coach Liam Rosenior acknowledged the seriousness of the issue but stopped short of placing a definitive timeline on the player’s return.
“Unfortunately it’s looking a little more long-term for him,” Rosenior said. “He’s got a tear in his hamstring which is a real shame for him and he will be a big miss for us. I’ve not had the chance to work with him for long but I know about his career and what an outstanding player he is, so it’s a big loss. It’s too early to say how long he will be out for.”
Chelsea’s injury concerns extend beyond Gittens ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Wolverhampton. Pedro Neto and Reece James are both set to undergo late assessments after missing the Arsenal match with minor knocks.
There was, however, some relief for the coaching staff. Cole Palmer and Estêvão are both available to start against Wolves after featuring only as substitutes in midweek, boosting Chelsea’s options as they navigate a demanding stretch of fixtures.