The news of Marc Cucurella’s injury has dampened the spirits of Chelsea fans worldwide, as initial scans confirmed the Spanish international suffered a hamstring injury during the 2-2 draw against Leeds United.
Cucurella, a mainstay who has started 30 games in all competitions this season and played nearly every Premier League minute, was subbed off at half-time as a precautionary measure after he complained of discomfort and tightness in his hamstring.
After tests were conducted, the Spanish left-back’s setback was confirmed to be a muscular issue that will see him sidelined for the next three to four weeks.
This blow forces manager Liam Rosenior to turn to summer signing Jorrel Hato, whose performances this season have not yet earned the full confidence of the Chelsea faithful.
With Marc Cucurella’s injury potentially sidelining him for key Premier League fixtures against Burnley, Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Newcastle, as well as the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, Hato’s ability to step up will be a defining factor in Chelsea’s push for a strong season finish.
As we head into the business end of the campaign, missing such a vital cog in the defensive machine could determine exactly where the Blues land in the table.
From Bad To Worse: Why Marc Cucurella’s Injury Threatens Chelsea’s Shaky Defensive Foundation
The cries from fans for a new defender during the January transfer window fell on deaf ears as the Blues directors decided to focus more on outgoings – releasing players from the “bomb squad”, offloading players like Raheem Sterling, who permanently joined Dutch side Feyenoord and Axel Disasi, who signed for Aston Villa on loan, while recalling players from loan spells and securing promising youth prospects.
While the Blues have conceded 30 goals in the league, several of them could have been easily prevented with the recruitment of experienced defenders.
Now, Marc Cucurella’s injury leaves a struggling backline even more exposed. The decision to prioritise squad trimming over defensive reinforcements now looks like a massive gamble by the board.
In the following weeks, Chelsea’s left-back position will be controlled by a player still not fully accustomed to the physicality of the Premier League.
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Marc Cucurella’s Injury Hands Hato His Defining Chelsea Test Ahead of Arsenal And Aston Villa Clashes
Before joining Chelsea, Jorrel Hato had already cemented his place as part of the Ajax first team.
He made history by captaining the Dutch giants at just 17 and amassed over 110 appearances in all competitions before his £36 million move to Stamford Bridge in August 2025.
Having arrived as the reigning Johan Cruyff Talent of the Year, the Netherlands international has brought elite technical ability to the Blues, maintaining a composed 91% passing accuracy in the Premier League this season.
However, Hato’s “positional blocker” style contrasts sharply with Marc Cucurella’s high-energy “pest” approach, which focuses on suffocating attackers and denying them space to turn.
Marc Cucurella’s injury now presents a rare opportunity for the 19-year-old, as his game time has mostly come in cup matches.
While this could be a blessing in disguise for Hato’s development, his recent full start in the 4-0 Emirates FA Cup win over Hull City raised some red flags.
Despite recording five recoveries, two interceptions, and two headed clearances, Hato struggled physically, losing the most ground duels in the match (13).
It was a concerning statistic for a player about to be tested by the higher-intensity attacks of Arsenal and Aston Villa in the coming weeks, where any defensive lapse could derail Chelsea’s UEFA Champions League qualification hopes.
Rosenior’s Chess Move: Redesigning The Blues’ Defense
Since taking over, Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior’s positive impact has been felt as several of his players have openly spoken about the renewed sense of freedom they now experience under his management.
However, he faces his first true test: proving he can maintain defensive stability without a key member of his backline.
The former Strasbourg coach praised the team’s “mental toughness” during their recent winning streak, but losing his most consistent full-back forces a tactical rethink.
Marc Cucurella’s injury marks the first major selection crisis since Rosenior took the helm, threatening the momentum of a tenure that has seen eight wins in 11 games.
In the coming weeks, the young coach must display his tactical acumen through his utilisation of Jorrel Hato.
Rosenior must decide whether to deploy the 19-year-old as a stationary, traditional left-back to prioritise defensive shape or utilise him as an inverted full-back to exploit his elite passing accuracy in central areas.
Malo Gusto, Andrey Santos or a System Shift? How Chelsea Can Survive Through Marc Cucurella’s Injury
If Hato fails to utilise this opportunity given to him and struggles with the physical demands of the Premier League, Liam Rosenior might have to implement several tactical and personnel “Plan B” options to address Marc Cucurella’s injury.
One of the first adjustments Rosenior could consider is shifting Malo Gusto — naturally a right-back — over to the left, while captain Reece James reclaims his preferred role on the right.
It would not be an unfamiliar task for Gusto, who featured there during the 2024/25 campaign and offers a greater physical presence in one-on-one duels than Hato.
Another option could involve the versatile Andrey Santos, whom Rosenior previously coached at Strasbourg, operating in an inverted role to provide additional protection along the left flank.
A broader tactical tweak may also be on the table. Having relied on a 4-2-3-1 in 10 of his 11 matches since taking charge, Rosenior could switch to a 3-4-2-1 system.
Such a setup would allow wingers like Pedro Neto to function as wing-backs shielded by three central defenders, ultimately easing the defensive burden on Hato and limiting his exposure in isolated one-on-one situations.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO/Action Plus
Recording Date: 10.02.2026
