Enzo Maresca says Chelsea star had a hamstring problem

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December 27, 2025 21:34 GMT (UK), by Sri Aswin

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has said that defender Marc Cucurella was substituted against Aston Villa with a possible hamstring injury.

The Blues dominated the Villans in the opening half at Stamford Bridge and should have scored more than one goal with the chances created.

The second half was a different picture altogether. The visitors stepped up after Ollie Watkins was introduced off the bench by manager Unai Emery.

Watkins made the difference with two second half goals and confined the Blues to yet another defeat in the ongoing league campaign.

Speaking after the game, Maresca revealed that Cucurella’s removal was not tactical and he was complaining about his hamstring.

He said: “He was complaining about his hamstring. We don’t know if it’s an injury yet or not..”

The Blues were in a title race earlier in November, but their poor run of form has dropped them 13 points behind leaders Arsenal.

They are presently three points behind fourth-placed Liverpool, and face a task on their hands to qualify for the Champions League.