Malo Gusto’s World Cup run hands new Chelsea signing Marco Palestra a massive pre-season chance – Read Chelsea F.C.
Malo Gusto’s World Cup run will continue after France beat Morocco 2-0 to reach the semi-finals.
The Chelsea right-back is now guaranteed to stay with France deep into the final week of the tournament.
The Guardian’s live report confirmed France’s quarter-final win, with Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele scoring in the second half.
France will now face either Spain or Belgium in the semi-finals on 14 July. That means Gusto’s return to Chelsea pre-season will be delayed again.
For Gusto, it is another strong marker in his rise with France. For Xabi Alonso, it creates a small but useful opening at Cobham.
Palestra Could Benefit From Gusto Delay
Gusto’s extended World Cup run means Chelsea will have to manage his return carefully. He will need a break after the tournament before joining full pre-season work.
That could give Marco Palestra important minutes in the early part of Chelsea’s summer schedule. The Italian full-back has arrived with a big reputation and now has a chance to impress Alonso before Gusto returns.
Chelsea already have strong depth on the right side, but pre-season often rewards availability. Palestra can use that window to learn the system, build rhythm and show he can handle senior-level demands.
Gusto remains one of Chelsea’s key right-sided defenders. His France progress only underlines his status.
The timing, though, gives Palestra a real opportunity. If he starts well at Cobham, Chelsea may return from pre-season with more competition at right-back than expected.
