Credit: Imago

Scott Mason

Mon 16 March 2026 18:10, UK

Everton’s next opponents Chelsea have received quite the injury blow as Reece James is set to be sidelined, but Malo Gusto’s potential involvement will scare David Moyes.

It was confirmed on Monday that James has been sidelined by a hamstring issue that will keep him out for several weeks.

While typically an opposition side picking up an injury to one of their key players is a boost, in this case, Everton may not be viewing it like that.

That is because James’ backup at Stamford Bridge, Gusto, has previously hurt the Toffees already this season. He is now surely in line to start for Chelsea against Everton.

What did Malo Gusto do last time Everton played Chelsea?

While James has been deployed in midfield as of late for Chelsea, his injury does almost guarantee that Gusto will start at right-back at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Moyes will have bad memories of the French defender this season, as in the reverse fixture it was the 22-year-old who ultimately decided the match.

Gusto popped up for Chelsea by assisting Cole Palmer for the opening goal and later doubling the lead himself to hand the London side a 2-0 win.

Moyes will no doubt be tuning into Chelsea’s Champions League fixture against PSG on 17 March as they look to overcome a 5-2 deficit.

Everton have struggled with defending out wide this season, so the game could provide an insight into how Gusto is utilised in the absence of James.

How David Moyes can limit Malo Gusto next weekend

Luckily for Moyes, Gusto may not have the same influence as he had in the reverse fixture due to the managerial change at Chelsea since.

In that game at Stamford Bridge, the right-back was used in an inverted role, with both goals coming from the Frenchman popping up in central areas.

Now, in place of Enzo Maresca, Liam Rosenior prefers his wide defenders to be deployed in a more traditional manner by hugging the touchline and providing width.

However, Gusto will no doubt be chomping at the bit to face up against a team who he produced his best performance against this season.

In order to limit his influence, Moyes will need his left-back to be fully focused, and with an update on Jarrad Branthwaite’s injury still yet to arrive, that looks to be Vitalii Mykolenko.

The Ukrainian will have to win his individual battles and make sure he stays in position on Saturday, or else the same result as the last matchup could happen again.