Malo Gusto has been a really shrewd acquisition for Chelsea following his arrival from Lyon last year.

Chelsea signed Malo Gusto from Lyon in a deal worth around PS30m, and the defender has proven to be a bargain.

He has been filling in for captain Reece James, who cannot remain fit, and has not disappointed.

Barcelona are being linked with James, who is yet to play a game under Enzo Maresca this season because of injury.

According to WhoScored, the right-back is currently making 2.6 tackles per league game. Only Moises Caicedo has a higher average (3.9) in Chelsea's squad.

However, while figures at Cobham may be impressed with Gusto, journalist Simon Phillips has claimed that there are concerns about his workload right now.

Discussing Gusto and James on his Substack, Phillips wrote: "There are obviously concerns about the regular injuries to Reece James, and also the overall condition of Malo Gusto.

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"Both players are still very highly rated by Chelsea but there is a concern on the work load to Gusto, and the backup options at the moment not being ideal with centre backs having to fill in."

Chelsea lacking suitable alternatives With James struggling to stay fit, Chelsea do not have too many alternatives to Gusto.

Josh Acheampong is a right-back, but the Chelsea academy player is still just 18 years of age. Maresca will have reservations about playing him in the biggest of games.

In the two Premier League matches that Gusto has missed this season, Maresca has used central defenders Axel Disasi and Wesley Fofana at right-back instead.

It shows that Chelsea are really lacking options in the right-back position amid James' injury woes. James is set to return to training this week and if he can stay fit, then the England international and Gusto will be more than enough for the Blues.

Looking at his injury record, though, that if is, quite frankly, a massive one. If James picks up another injury, it would not be a shock to see Chelsea sign another right-back.