28 September 2023 , 06:10
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Chelsea's first win in four games was marred by an injury scare for Ben Chilwell, manager Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed.
The Blues went into Wednesday's Carabao Cup meeting with Brighton off the back of three winless games in which they failed to score a single goal. Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa each recorded 1-0 Premier League victories at Stamford Bridge either side of Chelsea's goalless draw at Bournemouth.
Pochettino made some changes for the Brighton game, as did counterpart Roberto De Zerbi, and Nicolas Jackson's goal early in the second half proved to be the difference. There was a concern late on, though, as Chilwell limped off moments before full-time.
"Yes, we need to assess tomorrow but I think it is [his] hamstring," Pochettino told reporters after the game. The news may come as a worry given Chilwell's history with hamstring problems, with a similar injury keeping him out of the 2022 World Cup.
Recent results had left Pochettino under some pressure and he said after the match he had considered it a "must win". In the end, the goal from summer signing Jackson was enough as Blues goalkeeper Robert Sanchez helped keep his former club at bay.
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"Of course, the uncertainty and sometimes the pressure to win means not to be perfect in our positions [on the pitch]," Pochettino said. "But I think in the second half we dominated the game and fully deserved the victory."
Can this game be a turning point for Chelsea? Have your say in the comments section
Ben Chilwell was injured towards the end of Chelsea's win over Brighton (Getty Images)Chelsea will face Blackburn Rovers in the fourth round after Jon Dahl Tomasson's side beat Cardiff City in an all-Championship clash. The scores were level at 2-2 at the break, only for an Andrew Doran double and one from Dilan Markanday to give the home side victory.
“We played with the right attitude and spirit," Tomasson said of his team's display. "The boys showed great character in the second half, immediately they were on it, we scored and created chances.
“It was a very good game on the ball, exceptional, attacking and fluent football. We were clinical but it could have still been 10!"
Chelsea will meet Blackburn in the final week of October, with the exact date and time yet to be set. It is the first time the teams will play each other since the final day of the 2011-12 season, when an already relegated Blackburn lost 2-1 at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League.
Before them, Chelsea have four league games to play as they look to pull themselves higher up the table. Pochettino's side will face Fulham in a West London derby on Monday night, followed by games against Burnley, Arsenal and Brentford.