With less than 26 hours until Tuesday’s Champions League Round of 16 second-leg kick-offs, Chelsea have been hit by a defensive crisis that could reshape how UCL Fantasy managers approach the Stamford Bridge tie against Paris Saint-Germain.
Reports emerged on Monday afternoon that Reece James has suffered yet another hamstring injury, with The Athletic reporting the club captain will be sidelined for “several weeks.” It is the tenth hamstring injury James has suffered since December 2020 - a staggering record that continues to derail his career.
To compound the blow, Malo Gusto was also absent from Monday’s open training session, leaving Chelsea potentially without both first-choice right-back options for the biggest match of their European campaign.
🚨 Chelsea Right-Back Situation
• Reece James - OUT. New hamstring injury. Several weeks sidelined. Played full 90 mins vs Newcastle on Saturday.
• Malo Gusto - MAJOR DOUBT. Absent from Monday training. No official update yet; Rosenior expected to confirm in his press conference.
• Josh Acheampong likely to start at right-back if both miss out.
The Full Chelsea Injury Picture
The right-back crisis is just the tip of the iceberg. Chelsea head into Tuesday’s match trailing 5-2 on aggregate with a lengthy injury list:
James played the full 90 minutes in Saturday’s 1-0 home defeat to Newcastle but failed to appear at Monday training. The injury was confirmed shortly afterwards. At 26, his persistent hamstring problems remain a serious concern. Sell immediately if you still own him - he won’t be back for the quarter-finals either.
Gusto’s absence from Monday’s session is unexplained so far. Liam Rosenior is expected to address it in his pre-match press conference later today. If Gusto misses out alongside James, Josh Acheampong would likely slot in at right-back - and face the unenviable task of containing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Bradley Barcola down PSG’s left flank.
The goalkeeper missed Saturday’s match with a groin injury and was absent from Monday training. Rob Sanchez is expected to continue between the sticks. Rosenior described it as a short-term issue, but the signs point to another absence.
Gittens was due to return to the bench for the Newcastle match but suffered a late setback in Friday’s training. “Jamie felt his hamstring late after training yesterday,” Rosenior confirmed. He was not seen in Monday’s session either. Avoid.
The Silver Lining: Estevao Spotted in Training
In a timely boost, the Brazilian teenager was spotted in open training on Monday morning, suggesting he could be named in the matchday squad for the first time since his hamstring injury. Rosenior had been cautious, saying the club wanted to “be careful” and avoid a recurrence. Even if he makes the squad, expect a bench role - he’s not been in competitive action for over a week and won’t be match-fit enough to start. A high-risk, high-reward punt at best.
One clear positive: Pedro Neto is available. His Premier League suspension does not carry over to the Champions League. Neto impressed in the first leg at the Parc des Princes and should start on the right wing.
UCL Fantasy Impact: How This Changes the Chelsea vs PSG Equation
Chelsea need to score four unanswered goals to progress. With their defensive resources decimated, the likelihood of a clean sheet is virtually nil. PSG, meanwhile, have had the luxury of a free weekend with no domestic fixtures to manage.
The defensive crisis has two key Fantasy implications:
- Chelsea defenders are completely uninvestable. A clean sheet was already improbable given the 5-2 deficit and PSG’s need for just one away goal to effectively kill the tie. With James out, Gusto doubtful, and Jorgensen unlikely, Chelsea’s backline is a skeleton crew. Do not hold any Chelsea defenders for MD12.
- PSG attackers get a boost. Barcola and Kvaratskhelia both scored in the first leg and will now face a makeshift right-back. If Acheampong starts, it’s his Champions League debut in a fixture where PSG’s left-sided attackers will smell blood. Dembelé (owned by just 8.2%) and Vitinha remain strong differentials.
Elsewhere on Day 1: Trossard Returns for Arsenal
The news isn’t all doom and gloom. At London Colney, Arsenal received a major boost as Leandro Trossard returned to full training on Monday after missing the last two matches with a minor injury.
✅ Arsenal Update
• Trossard - BACK. Trained Monday, expected to return to the squad and potentially the starting XI.
• Viktor Gyökeres - Expected to lead the line after being benched at the weekend (Arteta managing Havertz’s fitness ahead of the Carabao Cup final).
• Mikel Merino - OUT. Foot surgery.
• Martin Ødegaard - OUT. Knee.
• Jurriën Timber - OUT.
Predicted XI: Raya; Mosquera, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Eze, Trossard; Gyökeres.
Fantasy takeaway: Trossard (€7.0m, MID) is a strong consideration if you have a free transfer. As a midfielder, he picks up 1 point for a clean sheet and 5 points per goal - and Arsenal’s home record in Europe this season is formidable. The tie is level at 1-1, guaranteeing an open, competitive match at the Emirates.
Quick-Fire Day 1 Team News
Man City vs Real Madrid (Etihad) - Real lead 3-0
As reported earlier today, Mbappé and Bellingham have been named in Real Madrid’s squad but are expected to start on the bench. The 3-0 aggregate lead makes this a near-dead rubber. Avoid heavy investment in either side.
Sporting vs Bodø/Glimt (José Alvalade) - Bodø lead 3-0
Bodø/Glimt appear to have a fully fit squad and lead 3-0 from the first leg. Sporting’s desperation means goals are likely, but the aggregate context makes this a risky fixture for Fantasy managers. Jens Petter Hauge and Kasper Høgh remain the standout Bodø options for those looking for differentials.
What to Do Before the Deadline
- Sell any Chelsea defenders immediately. James is out for weeks; Gusto is a major doubt. Zero clean sheet upside.
- Consider Trossard (€7.0m). Back in training, likely to start at the Emirates in a tie that’s level on aggregate. MID clean sheet bonus adds a floor.
- PSG left-side attackers benefit. A makeshift Chelsea right-back is a gift for Barcola, Kvaratskhelia and Dembelé.
- Arsenal’s Gyökeres remains the top Day 1 captain shout. Home, level aggregate, expected to start. Check our Captain Picks page for the latest rankings.
- Don’t panic about Estevao. Even if he makes the squad, a bench cameo in a dead tie (5-2 down) is not worth a transfer.
🕑 Deadline Reminder
The MD12 Day 1 deadline is Tuesday 17 March at 17:45 UTC. Final squad updates from Rosenior’s press conference are expected this evening. Check our Availability Tracker for real-time updates.
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