The Pride of London
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Chelsea vs Malmo: Three lessons learnt in comfortable UCL victory

By Subhrajit Chowdhury

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 20: Thiago Silva of Chelsea celebrates after Andreas Christensen scored a goal to make it 1-0 during the UEFA Champions League group H match between Chelsea FC and Malmo FF at Stamford Bridge on October 20, 2021 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 20: Thiago Silva of Chelsea celebrates after Andreas Christensen scored a goal to make it 1-0 during the UEFA Champions League group H match between Chelsea FC and Malmo FF at Stamford Bridge on October 20, 2021 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 20: Romelu Lukaku of Chelsea leaves the game injured watched by Thomas Tuchel manager of Chelsea during the UEFA Champions League group H match between Chelsea FC and Malmo FF at Stamford Bridge on October 20, 2021 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 20: Romelu Lukaku of Chelsea leaves the game injured watched by Thomas Tuchel manager of Chelsea during the UEFA Champions League group H match between Chelsea FC and Malmo FF at Stamford Bridge on October 20, 2021 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images) /

2. Injuries may affect Chelsea’s upcoming games

By far the biggest talking point from this game has to be the two injuries that Chelsea suffered in the first half. It could have easily been three, as well. The two strikers who started the game, Romelu Lukaku and Werner, were lively for the first 20 minutes and Lukaku could have probably scored a goal had he not been fouled inside the penalty area. The late tackle on the Belgian striker seemed to have hurt his ankle and he probably sprained it badly. The Blues did get a penalty, however, Lukaku was left limping off the field to be replaced by Havertz.

Werner was the next to go in the 44′ of the game when it seemed like he pulled his hamstring. The pacey striker was running all over the pitch, playing as a support striker to Lukaku. However, after the former Inter Milan man was injured, he had to become the main No. 9. The German is always running and his pace is one of his best attributes. It seemed like he was over-exhausting his body and ultimately, he ended up injuring himself. Werner was taken off the pitch and Hudson-Odoi replaced him. Although both the replacements, Havertz and Hudson-Odoi, played well and even contributed to a goal, the injuries might haunt Chelsea for a while.

It has not been revealed yet how long the strikers will be out and without Werner and Lukaku, Chelsea is without a proper striker. This should not be a big problem as Tuchel can play Havertz as a false nine, however, the Blues cannot afford any more injuries. Lukaku will be quite disappointed with the match in general as this is now his sixth game without scoring a goal. This should not be concerning at the moment, but it is certainly alarming given that he started the season quite well. Hopefully he will be back better and stronger after his injury.

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