Chelsea left-back Emerson Palmieri limped off after just seven minutes of Italy’s Euro 2020 qualifier at Finland on Sunday night, with what appeared to be a thigh strain.
The 25-year-old has had a good start to the season for Chelsea, making the left-back position his own after dislodging Marcos Alonso. While it is not determined exactly how long Emerson will be out, the initial signs are that he will be out for some time.
The Brazil-born Italy International Emerson initially struggled to assert himself in the Premier League following his €20 million (£18m/$22m) move from Serie A side Roma in January 2018, making 39 appearances for the club to date.
He had a good end to last season and continued with that form this season and was set to be awarded a new contract from Chelsea.
Emerson’s injury means that Marcos Alonso will get an opportunity to win back his place in the side, the Spanish International has not made an appearance this season, after losing his spot in the side after a string of below-par performances.
The 28-year old was key part of Antonio Conte’s title-winning side in the 2016/17 season playing in a wing-back role in a 3-5-2 or a 3-4-3 formation. Alonso has struggled to adapt to play in a back four often being caught out of position but lacking the pace to recover.
Chelsea might still sign a left-back in January if they overturn the transfer ban and the club have been linked to Leicester City’s English left-back Ben Chilwell
