Chelsea ace Malo Gusto makes shock Trent Alexander-Arnold admission amid Reece James battle

Chelsea full-back Malo Gusto is continuing to embrace the void and the challenge of Reece James at the club as he looks set to start a fifth game in a row. The 20-year-old, who signed from Lyon in January before being loaned back to his boyhood club ahead of joining up with the Blues this summer, has found himself in the team earlier than expected.

With James being sidelined for at least another week with injury, one he picked up after the first game of the season against Liverpool, Gusto has been thrust into the spotlight in a changeable environment at Stamford Bridge. By the time he finished the opening day draw he was alongside four other players in goal and defence that were making their league debut for the club.

Having arrived with James, the newly appointed captain, in front of him, Gusto was not immediately first choice but has provided ample back-up for a position that has proven far from stable in the past few years. James' blotted injury record is now well established and had left an ageing Cesar Azpilicueta in wing-back or full-back too often before new blood was added to the squad.

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Now,Gusto has made an immediate impact since arriving as a highly rated defender. He already has two assists to his name, continuing a trend of impressive attacking full-backs at Chelsea, but has also shown alertness and speed going the other way.

Despite an up and down start to the season he has been one of the brighter spots and is relishing the unexpected chance to shine in James' absence. “There’s nothing that told me: no, it’s not possible,"