"I don't like this", "Wtf is this gimmick" - Chelsea fans unhappy with star man's exclusion from starting XI for Newcastle clash

Chelsea fans have taken to social media to share their unhappiness over Marc Cucurella's absence from the starting lineup to face Newcastle United. The Blues have invited the Magpies to Stamford Bridge for their Premier League clash today (October 27).

However, they will not start the match with Cucurella on the pitch. The Spanish left-back has been kept on the bench, with Malo Gusto taking his spot in the starting lineup. It is worth noting that Cucurella has been a regular part of the Blues' season so far, having started seven league games.

The 26-year-old has only missed their 2-1 loss to Liverpool on October 20, due to suspension after an accumulation of five yellow cards.

He played the full 90 minutes in their midweek Conference League match against Panathinaikos on October 24, which Chelsea won, beating the Greek side 4-1. The Spaniard has been left on the bench for the Newcastle game, perhaps in a bid to manage his minutes and keep the left-back fit.

However, fans are not pleased about his absence, and they took to social media platform X to make it clear with comments like these:

"Okay, I don't like this new experiment. Why is Cucurella on the bench and Gusto playing as LB?" a fan asked.

"Gusto instead of cucurella? Name me a bigger downgrade," another fan was not pleased.

"Ffs man cucurella is back wtf is this gimmick," a fan could not understand.

"Whats cucurella doing on the bench for crying out loud, a natural left back. Gusto can replace James when it’s 60- 70 minutes," this fan claimed.

"James and Gusto pairing again When cucurella is that man SMH" another complained.

"Gusto instead of Cucurella?????? What is this manager doing?" a fan was unhappy.

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Enzo Maresca speaks about Chelsea captain Reece James' availability

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has spoken about club captain Reece James, following the full-back's return from a long-term injury. After getting surgery, he missed much of last season, and although he seemed set to return to full-swing this season, the 24-year-old endured a setback.

He spent another 66 days on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury but made his first appearance of the season during the Blues' 2-1 loss against Liverpool last week. James will be expected to play only once a week, as Enzo Maresca explained during his press conference after the Blues' win over Panathinaikos. He revealed that the full-back had agreed to this (via football.london):

"First of all, he agrees. He knows himself and he agrees that probably in this moment the solution is to play once a week. For sure, as I said before, hopefully in the future he can play more games."

Reece James has been named in the starting lineup to face Newcastle United, and he will hope he can provide an impressive performance for Chelsea while keeping fit.