Malo Gusto: Chelsea slammed by Lyon manager Blanc for injury handling

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 21 Apr 2023 16:59 BST
• 3 min read

Olympique Lyonnais manager Laurent Blanc has criticised Chelsea for how they have handled Malo Gusto's recent injury layoff.

Gusto, 19, joined Chelsea on a permanent deal during the January transfer window, but returned to Lyon on loan for the rest of the season.

The Frenchman picked up a hamstring injury on 9 February during Lyon's Coupe de France last-16 clash with Lille and hasn't featured since.

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Chelsea decided that the best course of action would be for Gusto to undergo his recovery at their Cobham training facility. The Blues deemed that having access to their medical staff, while beginning to familiarise himself with the training ground and his new team-mates.

However, that decision has angered Blanc, who feels Gusto was absent for too long and should've returned to Lyon.

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What has Blanc said?

When questioned about Gusto ahead of their game against Marseille this weekend, Blanc said: "Malo Gusto is a subject in itself. Pragmatically, he's fit to play, but he hasn't been able to play for long. [His departure to Chelsea] went on too long for my taste. Let's forget the episode, he is there and there are seven games left.

"I told him to take advantage of the playing time he can have. I think he must be happy to train with his mates and he is fit for Sunday."

The 19-year-old Frenchman has racked up 18 appearances for Lyon this season, with 0 goals and 1 assist to his name. Youngster Sael Kumbedi has been the first-choice right-back in Gusto's absence and the 18-year-old was rewarded with a new long-term contract that runs until 2027 earlier this week.

Gusto is expected to compete with club captain Cesar Azpilicueta to provide cover for Reece James at Chelsea next season.