Ex-Chelsea star ‘sad and frustrated’ with fifth injury this season

Former Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta has sustained his fifth injury of the season.

The former Blues defender, who is currently playing for Sevilla, was substituted with a thigh issue after 59 minutes in a 1-1 LaLiga draw with Rayo Vallecano.

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The 36-year-old has made 14 appearances and made one assist this season, which came in the same game .

He moved on a free transfer from Atletico Madrid in the summer and has struggled for fitness throughout the year.

The Spaniard has dealt with two calf problems, a hip issue and another muscle injury during his time in southern Spain.

Azpilicueta was still hopeful the issue wasn’t going to be a big problem after the game.

He said: “A minor muscle problem. Let’s hope it’s nothing serious.

“To be honest, it makes me sad and frustrated because I really enjoy playing football and helping the team.

“And when I’m having these kinds of problems, especially this season, it really bothers me.

“But anyway, I’ll do everything I can to keep helping the team.”

During the defender’s time with the Blues, he only missed 12 matches due to injury or illness and made 508 appearances for the west London club.

However, one of his very few injuries during his time at Stamford Bridge was serious as the defender lay motionless in a home defeat to Southampton in 2023.

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Azpilicueta received oxygen treatment for several minutes before he was stretchered off.

He was conscious as he left the pitch, however he went to hospital and was discharged with concussion.

He did not return until seven games after the incident.

After he left Chelsea, he joined Atletico Madrid on a free transfer and played in 54 games in two seasons for the club.

During his time in the Spanish capital, he started to pick up more problems as he sustained multiple muscle injuries and meniscus tears. 

At one point, he was unavailable for selection for around 100 days. 

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Sevilla’s head coach Matias Almeyda spoke after the game on how Azpilicueta would be a loss to his side if he has to sit out again.

He said: “I haven’t been able to speak with him, but I hope it’s nothing serious.

“Along with Nema (Gudelj), he’s our brains because they’re the ones who communicate and give orders. Having him on the field is always important.”

After he was taken off in the Rayo Vallecano game, the opposition were able to equalise in the 50th minute of the game for it to finish 1-1.

Sevilla currently sit 14th in LaLiga, six points away from the relegation zone.