Chelsea striker Liam Delap injured his shoulder during a drab 0-0 draw at Bournemouth in the Premier League.
The England Under-21 international was replaced by teenager Marc Guiu after a series of physical duels with Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi, who also later went off injured after overstretching for the ball in the second half.
Both sides struggled in attack despite Chelsea recalling forward Cole Palmer, who lasted 58 minutes in his first start since 20 September, having suffered a groin injury before fracturing his toe in November.
Bournemouth thought they had scored in the fifth minute when forward Antoine Semenyo reacted quickest to finish from close range after Evanilson’s blocked attempt. However, Evanilson was marginally offside in the build-up and the goal was ruled out by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
The hosts were the better side in the first half, with Semenyo showing why there is transfer interest from top clubs, by forcing a save with a long-range effort and almost setting up a tap-in for Evanilson.
Marcus Tavernier and Alex Jimenez then came close for Chelsea before Marc Cucurella headed just over from Pedro Neto’s cross in the 21st minute. Delap then had a shot blocked before going off injured.
Chelsea began to dominate after the break, with Alejandro Garnacho heading against the post. But most of their efforts came from outside the box, including shots from Neto, Palmer, Guiu and Enzo Fernandez.
Both teams made attacking changes, with Bournemouth introducing midfielders David Brooks and Amine Adli alongside striker Enes Unal, while Chelsea brought on Joao Pedro and Estevao Willian.
Bournemouth held on comfortably but rarely threatened in the second half, apart from Semenyo’s dribble and shot that drew a good save from goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
Andoni Iraola’s side will be pleased despite being now six matches without a win, while Chelsea are winless in three, denting talk of a potential title challenge.
Bournemouth analysis: Encouraging signs but injuries mounting
The Cherries started this season well – climbing as high as second in the league in October.
However, a recent poor run has sparked discontent at the Vitality Stadium, especially after a 1-0 home defeat by Everton in midweek. Iraola said he was disappointed with his team’s lack of intensity and identity in that match.
But on Saturday against Chelsea, Bournemouth looked more like an Iraola side – pressing aggressively and getting in their opponents’ faces.
They were the better team in the first half, but striker Evanilson remains out of form, with just one goal this season. Even Semenyo, arguably the best player on the pitch on Saturday, is without a goal or assist in seven matches.
Injuries are mounting too following Senesi’s setback. He joins Veljko Milosavljevic, Ryan Christie, and Ben Doak on the sidelines. Lewis Cook is suspended for one more match, but star midfielder Tyler Adams is expected to return against Manchester United next week.
Bournemouth need a break to recover players and regroup, but they will take encouragement from Saturday’s display.
