NT confirms another Chelsea player has been 'forced to withdraw' from the squad due to injury – blow for Enzo Maresca

Chelsea's Malo Gusto will miss France U21's UEFA European qualifiers against Slovenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina this month.

On Monday evening, the French Football Federation [FFF] confirmed that the right-back has sustained a thigh injury and is therefore “forced to leave the squad”.

The full-back suffered a knock during Chelsea's 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace on Sunday and was substituted in the 74th minute.

He nevertheless arrived at the training camp in Clairefontaine on Monday before withdrawing from Gérald Baticle's squad.

The Frenchman's setback is a major blow for Chelsea and Enzo Maresca hopes his injury is not serious. Gusto and Recce James are currently the recognised right-backs at Stamford Bridge.

James has not played this season as he has been sidelined for almost a month with a thigh injury, while Gusto has started three league games.

After this international break, the Premier League team will face AFC Bournemouth.

Renato Veiga started at right-back in Chelsea's 2-1 loss to Servette FC. Maresca could use the Portuguese left-back at right-back if Gusto and James are unavailable against Bournemouth.