Enzo Maresca drops fresh injury update on Marc Cucurella

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has revealed the reason behind Marc Cucurella's absence for tonight's Premier League clash against Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge.

The Spaniard picked up a minor hamstring injury in the defeat to Aston Villa last weekend and he has now been left out of the matchday squad to face the Cherries tonight.

When asked for an update on the left-back, Maresca was optimistic about his availability for the next league game against Manchester City away from home, he said: 

"Cucu had a small issue in the last game [against Aston Villa], but he is okay, we hope. Hopefully, he can be available for the next game. We just try to prepare in the best way we can."

The Blues are currently three points behind fourth-placed Liverpool after the Villa defeat. They must beat the Cherries at home tonight to avoid losing further ground.

Aside from Cucurella, Maresca has made five changes to the line-up. Reece James, Benoit Badiashile, Pedro Neto and Joao Pedro have dropped to the bench from last weekend.