Emanuel Emegha injury puts Chelsea move in spotlight

Strasbourg striker Emanuel Emegha may already have played his final game for the French club before completing his summer switch to Chelsea.

Head coach Gary O’Neil revealed that the 23-year-old has picked up a hamstring injury at a crucial point in the season, casting doubt over any further Ligue 1 appearances.

Emegha’s transfer to Chelsea, with both clubs under the BlueCo umbrella, was agreed back in September and initially sparked anger among Strasbourg fans, especially as he had just been named club captain.

Injuries have interrupted his campaign, restricting him to 18 games in all competitions, though he has still managed to score eight goals. His absence now comes as a major blow with Strasbourg fighting on both domestic and European fronts.

Speaking ahead of the UEFA Europa Conference League semi-final second leg against Rayo Vallecano, O’Neil confirmed Emegha will miss the final two league matchweeks. He did, however, leave a small window of hope, admitting there is “maybe a chance” the forward could recover in time for the Europa Conference League final, provided Strasbourg overturn their one-goal deficit and reach the showpiece.