He eats paella, he drinks Estrella, he tells his barber list of Chelsea's absent players
Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 26.04.26. | 10:10
Marc Cucurella is under the spotlight ahead of the Blues' crucial FA Cup semifinal clash against Leeds United on Sunday (5 pm)
Chelsea's turbulent run now leads them to Wembley, where a clash with historic rivals Leeds United awaits - and a place in next month’s FA Cup Final hangs in the balance.
Interim head coach Calum McFarlane has demanded a response from a squad short on confidence, urging his players to reset and raise their level immediately.
"Everyone at the club has to take responsibility - staff and players alike," McFarlane said. "We know the recent form hasn't been good enough. Now it's about working as hard as possible and making sure we deliver a strong performance on Sunday. That's where it starts."
A damaging run of results has compounded Chelsea's struggles, but McFarlane believes momentum in football can shift in an instant.
"One positive result, one strong performance - that's all it takes to turn things around," he added.
However, issues off the pitch have only deepened the sense of instability. Ahead of the recent defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion, sensitive team news was leaked on social media - reportedly via the barber of Marc Cucurella - revealing that Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro would both be absent.
Cucurella’s barber reportedly posted this pic with the caption “Palmer and João Pedro both injured tonight” in the early hours of yesterday.
— Series ‘Baj (@Engr_Series) April 22, 2026
These are some of the issues that need to be addressed. pic.twitter.com/WYIzyRnDk9
McFarlane confirmed the matter has been addressed internally, making it clear such breaches will not be tolerated.
"It's been dealt with. It was addressed before as well, and it's something we're actively looking into. It needs to stop," he said. "We've spoken about the importance of keeping that information in-house and ensuring it doesn't happen again."
🚨🚨 Alejandro Garnacho has done it again.
— Official Blessing (@BlessingGives) March 17, 2026
“There’s been picture of a leaked Chelsea Line up against PSG in tonight return leg of the champions league.”
This is exactly what was happening when he wasn’t playing for Manchester United. Guess who’s on the bench again today 👀😭 pic.twitter.com/IT4zj0axBh
This is not an isolated incident. Earlier in the season, the Blues' line-up for their Champions League last-16 clash against Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes was leaked before kick-off. Club sources later indicated that breach, believed to involve an external party, had also been resolved.
Now, with a trip to Wembley looming, Chelsea must steady themselves, both on and off the pitch, if they are to keep their FA Cup hopes alive.
FA CUP
Semi-finals
Saturday
Manchester City - Southampton 2-1 (0-0)
/Doku 82, Gonzalez 87 - Azaz 79/
Sunday
17.00: (2.15) Chelsea (3.45) Leeds (3.35)
***odds are subject to change***