Chelsea left-back and vice-captain Ben Chilwell is set to be sidelined for an elongated period of time with a hamstring injury suffered during the Blue’s Wednesday night fixture in the Carabao Cup.
It is being reported that the Englishman could be out for at least four weeks after he limped off at the end of the game against Brighton and Hove Albion on Wednesday.
There are also reports that suggest that his scans have revealed that the injury is not as significant as first thought and the left-back should not be out for more than a month.
But he is considered certain to miss Chelsea’s next two Premier League games against Fulham and Burnley, before the October international break.
When asked about Chilwell’s injury, Manager Mauricio Pochettino told reporters: “I think it is bad news what the doctor told me is not a good thing. It looks like a bad injury so we will assess in the next few days and we will see the period he is going to be absent from the squad.”
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“We are really sad about the news about Ben. Time [of return] is difficult to say now. The doctor will tell us and the club will communicate.”
When asked how much they will miss Chilwell, Pochettino said: “Best, [Chilwell] is one of the best left-back in the world.”
A four-week absence could be considered a good outcome all things considered, but there are broader concerns at Chelsea with regard to Chilwell’s injury record. This is now his third hamstring injury since the start of last season.
Marc Cucurella and Ian Maatsen are the two full-backs who could potentially replace the Chelsea vice-captain at left-back.
The 25-year-old will also miss the international fixtures with England as he will not be fit in time to be available for selection.
Pochettino now has to contend with nine players out injured, with two more suspended for their next league game at Craven Cottage on Monday.
Chelsea were already missing their captain Reece James with a hamstring injury while other first-team players like Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile and Christopher Nkunku remain sidelined for long intervals.
They are also without Nikolas Jackson, Noni Madueke, Romeo Lavia and Carney Chukwuemeka.
