Chelsea dealt massive injury blow as key player set to miss start of 2023-24 season with groin injury: Reports
Chelsea have suffered an early setback for the 2023-24 season as defender Benoit Badiashile is expected to miss the start of next season due to a groin injury.
Badiashile pulled out of training last week and missed Chelsea's 1-0 defeat at Manchester City on Sunday, May 21. Now, he is set to undergo surgery and could be out of action for upto four months, according to a report by the Evening Standard.
This comes as a blow for Mauricio Pochettino, who is rumored to be the west London side's new coach. He was hoping to work with every player in the squad in pre-season to implement his methods and philosophy.
The Frenchman has seamlessly settled into life in London since joining the club on a £35 million deal from Monaco. He has made 11 appearances so far, all of which have come in the Premier League.
Injuries have plagued Chelsea this season, with many key players spending extended time on the treatment table. Badiashile joins the likes of Mason Mount, Reece James, N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic, and Ben Chilwell on the sidelines.
Badiashile's injury could, however, present an opportunity for young defender Levi Colwill. The 20-year-old, who is also a left-footed centre-back, has impressed in his loan spell at Brighton & Hove Albion this season, where he has made 20 appearances across competitions.
Manchester City eye move for Chelsea target Josko Gvardiol: Reports
Manchester City are reportedly interested in signing defender Josko Gvardiol this summer. RB Leipzig are expected to demand as much as £85 million for his sale, with Chelsea one of the many clubs who have shown interest in signing him.
Gvardiol came through the youth ranks of Dinamo Zagreb before joining RB Leipzig in 2020, where he has made 87 apperances across competitions. He has also been capped 21 times for Croatia.
The Daily Mail have reported that the Cityzens are eyeing a move for Gvardiol as Pep Guardiola is concerned about losing defender Aymeric Laporte at the end of the season.
The report states that the club will not stand in Laporte's way should he demand an exit, and will look to sign Gvardiol should the Spaniard part ways with the club. It also adds that the club could lose both captain Ilkay Gundogan and midfielder Bernardo Silva this summer, both of whom have been key to the Sky Blues' success over the years.