Chelsea’s Injury Problems Worsen as Jamie Gittens Picks Up Ankle Injury

Chelsea have been hit with another injury concern during the international break, with Jamie Gittens forced off with an ankle problem while playing for England Under-21s.

Gittens started for Lee Carsley's side in Friday night's 2027 European Championship qualifier against Kazakhstan at Molineux, but was substituted six minutes before half time as England went on to win 4-2, replaced by Tyrique George.

According to The Sun, Carsley confirmed Gittens will head back to Chelsea straight away for further medical checks. "Jamie got a kick on his ankle. We never take any risks. With the age of these players we don't ever keep them in camp to see how they are. He will go back," Carsley said.

It's another setback in what has already been a difficult international break for Chelsea. Goalkeeper Mike Penders is already out with a thigh issue picked up on duty with Belgium, and head coach Thomas Tuchel also expressed frustration over Cole Palmer's withdrawal from the senior England squad, after Palmer opted to follow an individual injury management plan instead.

"My understanding is that he is playing with discomfort and pain, and he cannot compete at the highest level with discomfort and pain," Tuchel said. "So he withdrew and informed us, and Chelsea informed us. For sure. It is a missed opportunity. He misses too many opportunities. I don't blame him for it. It is just a fact."

Tuchel went on to explain why he places such importance on players being present in camp. "He misses way too many camps with injuries, and I only want to rely on what I witness and see within in my team, and for that you have to be in camp," he said. "And if you're not in camp, there is a next level to impress that you cannot achieve because you can only do it when you are actually on the pitch with me. So yes, it is a missed opportunity."

Back at Chelsea, head coach Xabi Alonso already has a lengthy injury list to deal with, currently without Joao Pedro, Reece James, Moises Caicedo, Marco Palestra and Emmanuel Emegha. Gittens himself has struggled with fitness issues since his £51.5 million move from Borussia Dortmund, and this latest setback adds further uncertainty ahead of Chelsea's Premier League return next weekend.