Chelsea have confirmed that England defender Ben Chilwell has been ruled out of the 2022 World Cup.
During the last minutes of Wednesday’s Champions League match against Dinamo Zagreb, the left wing-back pulled up sharply and collapsed on the touchline.
The 25-year-old needed support walking down the tunnel, and it soon became clear that he was a major doubt for the coming tournament in Qatar.
Chelsea head coach Graham Potter confirmed at a press conference on Friday that Chilwell will have a scan on the injury, adding that there had been a short delay to enable the initial swelling subside.
However, as expected, Chelsea have announced that Chilwell will be out for an extended period of time.
A club statement said: “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.”
Chilwell’s injury is his second in a year, following a severe knee injury last November.
Chilwell missed the most of the 2021-22 season as a result, and his form has been closely monitored since coming through pre-season and earning regular playing time in the first team.
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Chilwell had made an impressive start to the season, recording eight starts and five substitute appearances in the Premier League and Champions League.
According to The Telegraph, Chilwell will not need surgery for the injury, the only positive from Friday’s scan.
However, according to the report, Chilwell will not return to play until 2023, leaving Chelsea to rely on Marc Cucurella on the left side of their defence.
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