Alejandro Garnacho could be given another chance in Chelsea’s starting line-up despite a difficult performance at the weekend, as injuries have limited head coach Liam Rosenior’s options ahead of the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Arsenal, according to Football.london.
The 21-year-old winger endured a tough outing during Chelsea’s comeback win over West Ham. He struggled both defensively and in attack, with opponents repeatedly exploiting his side of the pitch. Garnacho was substituted at half-time after Chelsea went into the break trailing 2–0.
His replacement, Joao Pedro, helped turn the game around by scoring once and setting up another, playing a key role in the team’s recovery. Under normal circumstances, Garnacho’s display might have cost him his place in the next match. However, squad injuries have complicated Rosenior’s selection plans.
Jamie Gittens was forced off early in the same game with a hamstring issue, while teenage winger Estevao Willian remains unavailable as he deals with personal matters away from football.
Speaking at the club’s training base, Rosenior admitted the situation has left him short of alternatives. He said he was unsure about the severity of Gittens’ injury and expressed disappointment, explaining that he had planned to give the youngster a starting opportunity.
On Estevao, the Chelsea boss said the player is going through a challenging time and will not be rushed back, stressing that the decision to return must be right for him personally.
With Tyrique George expected to join Everton on loan until the end of the season, Chelsea may head to the Emirates with only two senior wide options available: Garnacho and Pedro Neto. Rosenior is also cautious about overworking Cole Palmer during a packed fixture schedule.
The circumstances could hand Garnacho an immediate opportunity to respond on a big stage as Chelsea attempt to overturn their first-leg deficit and secure a place at Wembley. The team travels to north London on the back of five straight wins in all competitions, but Rosenior will know that discipline and decision-making, particularly from his wide players, could prove decisive.
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