Marc Cucurella
CHESpain
Left
Jul 22, 1998
27
5'8"
146 lb
LB
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Possession Builder
ChelseaBench option
Cucurella (hamstring) is on the bench for Wednesday's match against Aston Villa.
Analysis: Cucurella is back in the team after he was signified he was close to a return, back after a three-game absence. With the defender being one of the top left-backs in the league, he will likely look to return to that role after testing his legs Wednesday.
Close to return
Cucurella (hamstring) could be included in the squad for Wednesday's clash against Aston Villa or potentially return this weekend in the FA Cup, coach Liam Rosenior said in the press conference. "Cucurella looks in good shape. We're hoping to have him back, if not on Wednesday, then on Saturday."
Analysis: Cucurella is progressing well in his recovery from a hamstring injury and could return for Wednesday's league clash against Aston Villa or potentially in Saturday's FA Cup match. The left-back was a regular starter prior to his setback and is likely to gradually reclaim his spot in the starting XI as he regains full match fitness. Jorral Hato and Malo Gusto have each started games in his absence.
Out Saturday, return unknown
Cucurella (hamstring) is out for Saturday's match against Burnley and has no exact timeframe for a return, according to manager Liam Rosenior.
Analysis: Cucurella was initially claimed to be missing for around three to four weeks and will miss a second match on Saturday, although the manager claimed his return is still up in the air. That said, the clearest we still have for the defender is his return in another week or two, yet to have joined training. This will likely leave Jorrel Hato to start again at left-back, the likely replacement moving forward until Cucurella is fit again.
Out three to four weeks
Cucurella (hamstring) is out for three to four weeks due to a hamstring injury, the player told AS Diario.
Analysis: Cucurella is heading to the sidelines for around the next month, as the defender has been confirmed to have suffered a hamstring injury after an early exit from a match earlier in the week. Unfortunately for Chelsea, he has been one of their more important players, serving as a regular on the left. Malo Gusto and Jorrel Hato will likely be the options to take his place until fit again, set to return midway through March, and still be an option for Spain as they enter the international break.
Set for further assessment
Cucurella (hamstring) is out for Friday's match against Hull City and is set for further testing, according to manager Liam Rosenior. "For Marc, it's too early to know [the extent of the injury]. He's definitely out for the game against Hull. We're doing our scans and assessments on him, and hopefully, it's not too long [his absence]."
Analysis: Cucurella will not make the call Friday after some issues with a hamstring injury inTuesday's match, as Friday's game will be too quick a turnaround. Instead, he will face further assessment and testing in the coming days, revealing the true extent of his injury. That said, this will leave a gap at left-back as he waits for his testing, with Jorrel Hato or Malo Gusto options to move to that spot until Cucurella is fit for a start again.
Leaves with hamstring issue in draw
Cucurella subbed off after the first 45 minutes of Tuesday's 2-2 draw with Leeds United and was later mentioned by coach Liam Rosenior, who said "Unfortunately, at half-time, he felt his hamstring. It wasn't a tactical change. It was one that was enforced and Cucu's been top and hopefully he'll be OK. We'll scan him and make sure we find out if he's available for the next game.", Bobby Vincent of Football London reports.
Analysis: Cucurella is a doubt for the upcoming FA Cup visit to Hull City after being active at left-back over the past month. He was in good form with a goal and an assist along with seven clearances and four tackles across 135 minutes of play in his previous two appearances before the Leeds clash. While he still needs to be assessed to determine the severity of his issue, he may not play a lot of minutes in the next few games until he's fully fit, allowing Malo Gusto and Jorrel Hato to get extended opportunities in full-back roles.
Assists third in 3-1 win
Cucurella assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal) and two chances created in Saturday's 3-1 victory versus Wolverhampton. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 73rd minute.
Analysis: Cucurella pulled the ball back to Cole Palmer to put Chelsea 3-0 ahead in the first half as they beat Wolves 3-1. The left back returned to the starting lineup, having been a sub who scored off the bench in the last game against West Ham. This is his third assist of the season and his first since early October when he assisted against Liverpool.
Very effective off bench
Cucurella scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal), five crosses (one accurate) and one corner in Saturday's 3-2 win against West Ham United.
Analysis: Cucurella played the entire second half, which proved to be a huge chance for Chelsea, scoring once with three tackles won and making a key pass. He is still easing his way back to play following his injury, starting twice in the last four PL appearances, winning six tackles with a block and securing a clean sheet in that span,
Serves ban
Cucurella is no longer banned and is an option for the club moving forward.
Analysis: Cucurella has served his ban after one game out, with the defender cleared for action moving forward. He is the club's starting left-back and should reclaim his spot immediately, starting in 18 of his 19 appearances this season, a solid two-way full-back.
Sent off versus Fulham
Cucurella received a straight red card during Wednesday's game against Fulham.
Analysis: Cucurella was sent off for denial of an obvious goal scoring opportunity, earning a one-game suspension he'll serve in the upcoming cup match versus Charlton Athletic. The left-back was returning from a two-game absence due to a minor hamstring injury, but he failed to produce before his dismissal. Jorrel Hato made an odd appearance off the bench in Cucurella's place against Fulham.
Back in starting XI
Cucurella (hamstring) is in the starting lineup for Wednesday's visit to Fulham.
Analysis: Cucurella is ready for significant action, with his inclusion potentially sending Malo Gusto to the right flank while Reece James starts among the substitutes this time. The fit-again player could be trusted for his averages of 2.7 clearances and 1.9 tackles per contest and may have decent clean sheet chances if he plays enough minutes in upcoming matchups.
Late call against Fulham
Cucurella (hamstring) is expected to train on Tuesday and will be a late call for Wednesday's clash against Fulham, interim coach Calum McFarlane said in the press conference. Yes, [Marc is] training today. We are training in a few hours, and they will all be taking part in the session today. We will have a better idea [on availability] after the session. But at this point, nobody is ruled out. We will look at training, see how the guys look [after the session] and then make a call after that."
Analysis: Cucurella missed the last two games due to a hamstring injury but could be back available for Wednesday's clash against the Cottagers since he is expected to train on Tuesday and will likely be tested after the final training session. If the Spaniard can make the squad, he will likely return to his undisputed starter role at left-back. If he had to miss another game, Malo Gusto will be the one filling the spot for that clash.
Still out
Cucurella (hamstring) is out for Sunday's match against Manchester City.
Analysis: Cucurella will have to wait another match for his return, as the defender is hitting the sidelines once again due to his hamstring injury, despite training. With a midweek match Wednesday against Fulham, he could be in for a return very soon, likely to give it a go if he continues to train the next few days.
Training, could return Sunday
Cucurella (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday's match against Manchester City, according to interim manager Calum McFarlane. "With Marc it is positive [that he's back training] and we will see with him,' he added. 'We're undecided on that [whether he will play], I don't have the full information on him as of yet."
Analysis: Cucurella is back in training after he missed out on a midweek match and is still a late call for Sunday. He will need to pass some testing to play as the club holds out on the return of their regular left-back. IF he is an option, he should see the start against one of the club's top clubs, with Malo Gusto as a possible replacement on the left again if Cucurella is out or on the bench to start.
Out to face Cherries
Cucurella (hamstring) is out for Tuesday's match against Bournemouth.
Analysis: Cucurella was forced off injured last match and is still not an option, with his hamstring injury appearing to be too much for the time being. This results in a crucial hole in the defense for the club as they are without their starting left-back, forcing Malo Gusto to left-back while Josh Acheampong earns the start at right-back.
Dealing with hamstring issue
Cucurella was forced off in the second half of Saturday's 2-1 loss to Aston Villa due to a hamstring injury.
Analysis: Cucurella departed the match in the 69th minute, being replaced by Malo Gusto. Following the match, manager Enzo Maresca stated that his fullback was "complaining about his hamstring", but that they weren't positive if it was a significant injury yet or not. With fixtures coming fast and furious over this period, Cucurella's status will be one to monitor ahead of Tuesday's clash with Bournemouth.
Leader in blocks, tackles
Cucurella crossed once inaccurately, created a chance, blocked a shot, made an interception, five tackles (winning four) and two clearances during Tuesday's 3-0 win over Barcelona.
Analysis: Cucurella helped Chelsea to a clean sheet as a member of the back four on Tuesday leading the team in blocks and tackles. The fullback has combined for four chances created, 12 tackles and six clearances over his last three Champions League appearances.
Remains active in attack
Cucurella has started the last seven league games and has been rested only twice across all competitions, remaining active in attack throughout.
Analysis: Cucurella has played regularly, sitting out only two of 15 games, and continues to operate as one of the side's most attacking-minded fullbacks. Despite ending last season with five league goal, he still hasn't find his scoring form, going goalless from 10 shots, but his playmaking has progressed with two assists, doubling his output from last season, while creating 18 chances.
Assists in win
Cucurella assisted once to go with three crosses (one accurate) and three chances created in Saturday's 2-1 win versus Liverpool.
Analysis: Cucurella was brilliant creatively, as expected, during Saturday's win. He set up three chances and earned an assist during the win in one of the toughest matches of the season. The left-back went from the outside looking in at Chelsea to one of the most crucial parts of the starting XI. He offers impressive play-making and has the talent to make an impact even in the toughest matches.
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