Chelsea could have been dealt another blow on the injury front after it has emerged that left-back Ben Chilwell has picked up a hamstring injury in their 1-0 win over Brighton.
The victory, which came courtesy of a goal from Nicolas Jackson early in the second half, saw Mauricio Pochettino’s side into the last 16 of the Carabao Cup, where they will meet Blackburn Rovers.
It was their first goal in the month of September, and their first win since beating Luton Town last month. However, it wasn’t all good news as Chilwell was forced off late in the piece, leaving Chelsea to see out the final minutes with 10 men.
After the game, Pochettino admitted that it was a hamstring injury, and that it needed to be assessed, which adds yet another player to their long list of injuries.
Gutting to see Ben Chilwell go off in the final stages.
Felt amazing seeing him finally play in his natural position tonight. pic.twitter.com/nasICOLVv7
— Tom Overend (@tovers98) September 27, 2023
As it stands, all of Marcus Bettinelli, Trevoh Chalobah, Benoit Badiashile, Reece James, Wesley Fofana, Christopher Nkunku, Romeo Lavia and Carney Chukwuemeka are out through various injuries, while Armando Broja is only just working his way back from a serious knee injury of his own.
Fortunately for the Blues, they are well stocked at left-back. Levi Colwill has been playing there in the early weeks of the season, while both Ian Maatsen and Marc Cucurella remained at Stamford Bridge despite links away from the club over the summer, and either could come in should Chilwell end up sidelined for any significant period of time.
Goalscorer Nicolas Jackson also left Stamford Bridge with a splint on his wrist after falling awkwardly, but he is banned for the upcoming clash and therefore the concern for the Senegalese striker is less pressing than Chelsea’s current captain.
