03 October 2023 , 13:36
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Chelsea defender Ben Chilwell is set to be out until at least December with a hamstring injury.
Chilwell, 26, limped out of Chelsea's 1-0 home win against Brighton in the Carabao Cup last Wednesday and now faces a lengthy spell in the treatment room. It's the third hamstring injury the England international has suffered in the last 12 months.
Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino described Chilwell's latest complaint as "bad" and refused to put a timescale on his recovery. It now appears the player will be out for a while, leaving England without an experienced left-back for their upcoming internationals.
Gareth Southgate's side face Australia in a friendly at Wembley on October 13 before hosting Italy at the same venue in a crucial Euro 2024 qualifier four days later. England are in pole position to qualify for the tournament in Germany - but the job isn't done yet.
As reported by The Telegraph, Chilwell will be out for at least eight weeks due to his hamstring injury. He could spend even longer in the treatment room if his rehabilitation doesn't go as planned, leaving him at risk of missing Chelsea's Christmas fixtures.
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Chilwell suffered his first hamstring injury shortly before last year's World Cup in Qatar, causing him to miss that tournament, and he sat out the end of last season with a similar problem. England boss Southgate is already missing Luke Shaw, his favoured left-back.
Chilwell's absence could see an international call up for Levi Colwill, Chelsea's exciting young centre-back who starred in England's U21 Euros triumph during the summer. Colwill has impressed at left-back for the Blues and could be an option for Southgate.
Ben Chilwell has picked up another hamstring injury (Getty Images)How much will Chelsea and England miss Ben Chilwell? Let us know in the comments below!
The England boss could also recall the impressive Tyrick Mitchell of Crystal Palace, or he could select Dan Burn for the first time. The 31-year-old left-back has never represented England before but is a key player for Champions League side Newcastle.
Chilwell is likely to miss Chelsea's upcoming games against Burnley (A), Arsenal (H), Brentford (H), Tottenham (A), Manchester City (H), Newcastle (A) and Brighton (H). He will also miss the Carabao Cup tie against Blackburn at Stamford Bridge on November 1.
Chilwell is the latest Chelsea player to be ruled out with an injury. Wesley Fofana will miss all of this season after undergoing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery during the summer, while Christopher Nkunku is also nursing a knee complaint.
Romeo Lavia (ankle) and Malo Gusto (suspension) won't return until after October's international break, but Reece James (hamstring) and Carney Chukwuemeka (knee) are both close to a return. Nicolas Jackson has completed his one-match suspension.