Major blow for Chelsea with defender out until next season

Chelsea defender, Ben Chilwell, will miss the rest of the 2021/2022 season after the decision was made for him to have major knee surgery, Goal reports.

The 25-year-old suffered an injury to his anterior cruciate ligament in their 4-0 win over Juventus in the Champions League at Stamford Bridge in November.

The club had hoped Chilwell would avoid going under the knife. But the Blues have now ended his initial rehabilitation and opted for surgery.

Despite having Marcos Alonso, Reece James, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Christian Pulisic available as cover, Chilwell’s long-term absence could see manager Thomas Tuchel delve into the January window for a true replacement.

To help cope with an ongoing injury crisis, it is understood Tuchel will block any loan moves for left-sided defender Malang Sarr.