Hato has some big shoes to fill for Chelsea as Cucurella will miss some big games for Chelsea due to a muscle injury.
Marc Cucurella was subbed out at halftime in Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Leeds United. With Chelsea squandering a two-goal lead, many fans questioned the decision to replace Cucurella.
However, reports have confirmed that Cucurella was substituted due to an injury and is set to miss the next three to four weeks after undergoing a scan on his hamstring.
Marc Cucurella out for 3–4 weeks with a hamstring injury.
Get well soon. 🧡💪 pic.twitter.com/TDoyDOdR3i
— Bridgways. (@Bridgways) February 15, 2026
Cucurella is set to miss the next three league games against Burnley, Arsenal, and Aston Villa, which means Hato will replace him. The young defender has big shoes to fill as Cucurella has been one of Chelsea’s best defenders and most reliable players this season. Hato will need to bring his A-game as Chelsea will be looking to take points off Arsenal, which would add more intrigue to the title race.
Chelsea will also need maximum points from these games as they continue their push to finish in the top four. Although Hato has gotten more playing time under Rosenior, this is a bigger opportunity to show his worth. His first test is Burnley, and a lot of attention will definitely be on him, with weighing up his ability ahead of the Arsenal clash.
