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Alejandro Garnacho, whom the Blues signed from Manchester United for £40m in the summer, didn't cover himself in glory at the weekend
Alejandro Garnacho has been let off the hook ahead of Chelsea's clash against Arsenal. The 21-year-old winger struggled to impress during the Blues' dramatic win over West Ham on Saturday evening, but, with a couple of big names unavailable for selection, he could be given the chance to redeem himself in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.
Chelsea will lock horns with the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night as they look to come from behind and secure a place in the final at Wembley Stadium. While the west Londoners may fancy their chances, having won each of their five games since the 3-2 defeat in the first leg, Liam Rosenior could be short on wide options.
Jamie Gittens suffered a hamstring injury at the weekend, and was forced to come off inside the opening half hour. Although Rosenior didn't put a timeframe on the 21-year-old's setback, he described the problem as a 'real shame'.
Speaking to reporters at Cobham ahead of the clash against Arsenal, the Chelsea boss said: "I don't know the extent of the injury. It's a real shame for him because I wanted to give him a start, and I wanted him to show what he could do.
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"So for him to come off after 25 minutes is disappointing for him, and hopefully it's not too bad."
Chelsea could be without another winger on Tuesday night: Estevao Willian. The 18-year-old, who was left out of the matchday squad on Saturday night, is currently on compassionate leave due to 'personal reasons'.
On whether Estevao could feature against the Gunners, Rosenior said: "I don't know yet, with Estevao, he is a young kid who has come and been magnificent. He is going through a really difficult time for personal reasons and is on compassionate leave.
"I won't put any pressure on him; it has to be right for him, and he has to feel in the right place to perform for this team."
Meanwhile, football.london understands that Tyrique George has agreed to join Everton on loan until the end of the season. The Toffees have inserted an option-to-buy clause in the 19-year-old winger's deal, with David Moyes eager to bolster his frontline.
With up to three wide-men out, and Rosenior eager to carefully manage Cole Palmer's workload, Chelsea could have just two fit wingers for the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final: Garnacho and Pedro Neto.
If given the opportunity, Garnacho will be desperate to repay his manager's faith after a disappointing performance against West Ham. Nuno Espirito Santo's side targeted the the Argentina international, with many of the Hammers' attacks funnelled down his flank.
With Chelsea 2-0 down at the break, Rosenior had seen enough and Garnacho was one of three players to be hooked. His replacement, Joao Pedro, fired the Club World Cup winners to victory, bagging a goal and an assist...
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