Full Breakdown
Chelsea Face Injury Crisis Ahead of Liverpool Clash
5/8/2026, 11:06:24 PM
Injury-Hit Squad Ahead of Anfield
Chelsea travel to Anfield, with goalkeeper Robert Sánchez’s concussion absence and winger Jesse Derry’s head injury ruling them out, alongside wingers Jamie Gittens and Estevao (hamstring). Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho are doubtful with knocks. Reece James and Levi Colwill have trained, while Filip Jørgensen cleared to start.
Background and Stakes
Chelsea’s injury woes follow a 3-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest that extended a six-match losing run, leaving the Blues ninth and out of Champions League spots. A win at Anfield is needed to keep any hope of qualifying for the Europa or Conference League.
Players Out, Doubtful, and Returning
Out for the Liverpool game are goalkeeper Robert Sánchez (concussion), winger Jesse Derry (head injury), and wingers Jamie Gittens and Estevao (hamstring). Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho are doubtful with knocks. Reece James and Levi Colwill have trained, while Filip Jørgensen cleared to start.
Official Club Updates
Chelsea confirmed Sánchez’s concussion absence and announced Filip Jørgensen’s return after a groin injury. The injury list notes Derry’s head injury and marks Garnacho, Neto and Sánchez as unavailable until mid-May. Reece James is expected back, and Levi Colwill is being considered for left-centre-back role.
Criticism and Analyst Concerns
Analysts warn that the depleted attack leaves Chelsea “toothless” against Liverpool’s strong defence. Interim coach McFarlane has acknowledged that “the performances haven’t been good enough” and rejected claims the squad has “downed tools.” Supporters have expressed frustration at the six-match winless run.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
Outlets report Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho are expected to be available for Saturday, while others describe them as unlikely to play. Jamie Gittens is listed as a possible return in one source but as an injury in another, leaving his status unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “a couple lads returning” — Calum McFarlane, interim head coach
- “We've still got a lot of good players, still got a lot of players available that can impact football games,” — Calum McFarlane, interim head coach
- “No, I wouldn't agree with that. The performances haven't been good enough, we're on a really bad run at the moment.” — Calum McFarlane, interim head coach
- “I see these boys every day, every training session, every meeting, in the gym, they are in a good place to go and attack games.” — Calum McFarlane, interim head coach
What’s Next
Chelsea face Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday, then will contest the FA Cup final at Wembley in mid-May, before completing three remaining Premier League fixtures to conclude the season.
