Ben Chilwell a major World Cup doubt as Chelsea lose key defender in Zagreb clash

Posted Thursday, November 03, 2022 by 101 GREAT GOALS

Ben Chilwell has suffered a hamstring injury that has left his World Cup hopes hanging by a thread as he limped off after Chelsea's 2-1 win over Dinamo Zagreb.

The tie, which was a dead rubber for Chelsea with the Blues already confirmed as group winners, was meandering to a straightforward victory after Graham Potter's side recoved from an early scare, only for Chilwell to pull up with a hamstring injury in added time.

Floored for over a minute, and subsequently having to be helped across the turf, his expression and body language suggested that it was a serious issue. Should it indeed turn out to be a hamstring strain, it is likely to keep him sidelined for at least a month, ruling him out of the tournament in Qatar which begins in just under three weeks.

It comes just as Chilwell was returning to full fitness from a serious knee injury sustained this time last year, with the performance against Dinamo Zagreb one of his best to date, and strikes both him and the Blues a cruel blow.

Speaking after the game, Potter admitted that 'it doesn't look positive' but that only scans would determine the extent of the injury, though the reaction of both Chilwell and compatriot Mason Mount suggests that it is as bad as feared.

Potter's side have already lost Reece James and N'Golo Kante to long-term injuries, with both not expected back playing club football until the New Year.

Additionally, goalkeeper Kepa has been ruled out of Sunday's clash with Arsenal after arriving at Stamford Bridge on crutches, adding further headaches to the Blues' preparation to meet the Premier League's most in form side.

All the focus, however, will be on Chilwell.