“Has suffered a significant injury” - Chelsea confirm 25-year-old star will miss 2022 FIFA World Cup
Chelsea have confirmed that Ben Chilwell will miss the 2022 FIFA World Cup after suffering a hamstring injury.
Chilwell, 25, was seen clutching his knee right at the death of the Blues' 2-1 win over Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League on Wednesday, 2 November.
The left-back managed to get to his feet but was carried to the tunnel after the final whistle and left Stamford Bridge on crutches.
A statement on Chelsea's official website confirmed that Chilwell is now set to miss the FIFA World Cup in Qatar:
"Following the injury sustained in our recent game against Dinamo Zagreb, Ben has undergone a scan on his hamstring. Results show that Ben has suffered a significant injury and the defender is unfortunately expected to miss the World Cup."
"Ben will now begin a rehabilitation programme with the club’s medical department."
Following my ACL injury I worked so hard to make sure I was ready for the World Cup. It has always been a dream of mine. Unfortunately, this won’t be possible following my scan results. I’ll do all I can to get back playing for Chelsea ASAP. Thanks for the messages of support 💙 https://t.co/2H01Whhfhn
It is a huge blow to not only Graham Potter's side but also England, who have had defensive injury issues to deal with.
Gareth Southgate is set to name his 26-man squad for the FIFA World Cup on 13 November.
Chilwell joins Reece James, Kyle Walker, and Kalvin Phillips on the injury list.
The English defender has made 14 appearances across competitions, scoring one goal and providing two assists.
Arsenal legend Ian Wright questions Chelsea manager Potter's use of Raheem Sterling as a wingback
As Chelsea's manager, Potter has had a mixed start at Stamford Bridge, overseeing seven wins, three draws, and two defeats in all competitions thus far.
He has guided the Blues to the last 16 of the Champions League, and they sit seventh in the league on 21 points from 13 games.
However, Potter's decision to use Sterling, 27, as a wingback has drawn criticism.
The English attacker is unfamiliar with the position and has failed to convince in the role.
He is Chelsea's top scorer this season, scoring five goals and contributing two assists in 17 appearances.
Wright has questioned the tactical move from Potter and believes that Sterling is unhappy playing in the role.
He told The Kelly and Wrighty Show (via Daily Mail):
'It's one of the confusing things what Graham Potter is doing at the moment."
He continued,
"There's no way he [Sterling] can be happy playing that role, especially when you look at what he's done at City, and the team he was playing in, everything was really concentrated on offence for him.
"It must be really strange and tough for him to go to a new club and have to play in a position like that. I hope they can sort that out soon for him."
🏾 minor setback, major comebackPrayers up for my guy Chilly 🙏🏾 minor setback, major comeback