The Blues are facing a massive defensive crisis after left-back Emerson Palmieri and center-back Andreas Christensen went off injured against Liverpool on Sunday at Stamford Bridge.
Emerson had been nursing a thigh injury which he picked up on international duty and missed last week’s league clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers, as well as the mid-week Europa League fixture against Spanish outfit Valencia.
The 25-year-old Emerson was making his injury comeback in a crucial game against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge but lasted only 15 minutes before he was substituted. The full-back was struggling on the pitch for just over five minutes before Chelsea boss Frank Lampard decided to hook him, moments after Trent Alexander-Arnold fired the visitors in front.
Spanish wing-back Marcos Alonso came on for the Emerson and the Brazilian was seen holding his thigh as he hobbled off the pitch.
Andreas Christensen then added to Chelsea’s woes after appearing to twist his knee as he blocked an effort from Liverpool star Mohamed Salah. The center-back was withdrawn to deepen Chelsea’s injury problems as he too walked off the pitch in agony. Liverpool was two goals to the good when Kurt Zouma replaced Christensen as Roberto Firmino had doubled the Jurgen Klopp’s team lead.
N’golo Kante grabbed a late goal for Chelsea to get the home side back into the game but it wasn’t enough as Liverpool ended up with all three points returning to Anfield at the full-time whistle. Chelsea is yet to confirm the extent of the injuries to Christensen as well as Emerson and hopefully, they return sooner for Frank Lampard.
