Ben Chilwell, a left defender for Chelsea, has suffered a “bad” hamstring injury that would necessitate additional testing, according to manager Mauricio Pochettino.
Despite initial optimism over his status, the vice-captain walked off late in Chelsea’s 1-0 triumph over Brighton & Hove Albion and now seems destined for yet another stint on the sidelines.
On Monday, Chelsea will play rival Fulham at Craven Cottage, and Pochettino has already confirmed that Chilwell won’t travel.
Chilwell’s injury was “bad news,” according to Pochettino. The doctor informed me that although the injury is severe, an evaluation is necessary in the coming days.
Pochettino made a point of stressing that winger Noni Madueke could play after dealing with his own fitness issue – just days after he claimed Madueke’s absence was a choice – and the manager is optimistic that Chukwuemeka will be able to play again on Monday after recovering from an injury of his own.
Reece James, the right back, is getting closer to playing again, but Pochettino said the club captain won’t be fit for the match against Fulham.
James might be available “maybe the week after, we’ll see,” Pochettino stated. We shall see, but we need to analyze him first.
When both James and Chilwell were out at the same time last season, Chelsea struggled, but Pochettino said the squad is now deep enough to survive without the two England internationals.
He stated, “Important players are usually missed when they don’t play in all the clubs. Naturally, we always miss the best players. Of course, they are among of the best full-backs in the world when they are at their peak.
“Why didn’t we purchase another Reece James and another Ben Chilwell? Because there is only one Ben Chilwell and Reece James. Malo Gusto, Marc Cucurella, and Levi Colwill were all tried by the club.
