Marc Cucurella is set to miss the next three weeks through injury, and concern is growing among Chelsea supporters about how the team will cope in his absence.
Softfootball had earlier reported that Cucurella would be sidelined for three to four weeks. His energy, intensity and work rate on the left flank have been key components of Chelsea’s balance this season. With the club pushing for a top-four finish, any disruption at this stage could prove costly.
Many fans are uneasy about Jorrel Hato stepping in unless he significantly raises his level. However, Softfootball’s analysis shows that Hato has not performed badly under Liam Rosenior.
Rosenior was appointed Chelsea head coach on 6 January 2026 on a six-and-a-half-year deal and began working with the squad after their league match against Fulham on 7 January. In his first match in charge, he led Chelsea to a 5–1 away victory over Charlton Athletic in the FA Cup third round, marking a strong start to his tenure.
Despite Hato’s steady performances, the concern reflects a broader issue, squad depth. When bench players do not fully convince, first-team regulars are often overused. Cucurella has frequently been called upon even in matches where rotation seemed possible, increasing fatigue and injury risk.
If squad contributions were more evenly distributed, key players could be rested strategically, potentially reducing injury setbacks. Now, with Cucurella unavailable, Chelsea must rely on their depth at a critical point in the season.
The coming weeks will test Rosenior’s squad management and the resilience of his team. With the top-four race tightening, Chelsea cannot afford defensive instability, especially when every point matters.
