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The Blues face another setback as promising youngster Malo Gusto is forced to withdraw from the French squad
Malo Gusto, the 20-year-old Chelsea fullback, has been forced to withdraw from Thierry Henry's under-23s squad for France's upcoming matches against the Ivory Coast and the United States.
Withdrawal from French Squad
According to reports from L’Équipe, Gusto cited feeling unwell and being affected by a virus as reasons for his withdrawal.
Gusto's absence comes as a blow to both France's under-23s team and Chelsea. The young fullback was expected to start for Thierry Henry's squad in these crucial matches, as France begins its preparations for the Paris Olympics scheduled for the summer.
Impact on Olympic Squad Selection
The timing of Gusto's withdrawal couldn't be worse, with positions in the Olympic squad already highly competitive. Any setback could have significant consequences for his chances of making the final cut for the Olympics.
With Gusto unavailable, it's expected that his position on the right side of the back four will be filled by either Bafodé Diakité from Lille OSC or Kiliann Sildillia from SC Freiburg. Both players are talented alternatives, but Gusto's absence will still be felt by the French squad.
Disappointment for Gusto
The news of Gusto's withdrawal will undoubtedly be disappointing for the young player, who was likely eager to make an impression on the international stage. His focus will now be on recovering from his illness and returning to full fitness for club duties with Chelsea.
As Chelsea grapples with yet another injury setback, the club will be hoping for a swift recovery for Malo Gusto. His absence from the French squad not only impacts his own aspirations but also highlights the challenges faced by clubs when their players are called up for international duty.
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