Chelsea await verdict on major injury concern with up to 11 players out ahead of Manchester United clash

Chelsea will be sweating on the fitness of Malo Gusto ahead of Thursday's game against Manchester United after the defender limped off during Saturday's 2-2 draw against Burnley.

Gusto was forced off in the 87th-minute of his side's stalemate and appeared to be clutching his hamstring. Regular first-choice right-back Reece James has been absent for much of the season and so manager Mauricio Pochettino had to call on academy graduate Alfie Gilchrist.

Despite twice taking the lead against a 10-man Burnley, Chelsea threw away their advantage on a disappointing day at Stamford Bridge. They will have a few days to assess Gusto before Thursday's visit of United to the capital but the Frenchman is a major doubt and the latest of several injury concerns.

Chelsea confirmed that Robert Sanchez, Ben Chilwell and Carney Chukwuemeka were all set to miss the game against Burnley just days before their clash on Saturday. All three remain a doubt for Thursday amid an ever-growing list of absentees.

Romeo Lavia, Trevoh Chalobah, Levi Colwill, Christopher Nkunku, Lesley Ugochukwu, Wesley Fofana and James also missed Saturday's draw with none expected to be fit in time for the visit of United. In total, Chelsea could be without 11 first-team players.

Chelsea and United have both had countless injury issues to contend with and sit in similar positions, with inconsistent results increasing pressure on respective managers. Pochettino is yet to endear himself upon supporters at Stamford Bridge while Erik ten Hag's future remains uncertain.

The Reds also suffered disappointment over the Easter weekend, somehow drawing against Brentford despite thinking they'd won it via Mason Mount in the 96th-minute. A lapse in concentration just minutes later allowed Kristoffer Ajer to level for the relegation-threatened Bees, who were the far better team on the day and deserved more than a point.

The return of Mount was at least a significant fitness boost for Ten Hag, who remains without a natural left-back in the absence of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia. Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof were both forced off on Sunday, with Anthony Martial, Altay Bayindir and Jonny Evans also doubtful for Thursday's trip to London.