World Cup fears: Ben Chilwell suffered a hamstring injury deep into stoppage-time
(Picture: AFP via Getty Images)Graham Potter revealed Ben Chilwell’s injury situation “doesn’t look positive” as the wing-back limped off late on in Chelsea’s win over Dinamo Zagreb.
The wing-back pulled up deep into stoppage-time at Stamford Bridge, immediately holding his hamstring and fell to the turf looking distressed, before he limped across the pitch with help from the Chelsea medical staff at full-time.
With just a few weeks to go until the World Cup gets underway in Qatar, any concern over potential injuries is heightened and there are now obvious fears about Chilwell’s involvement for England.
It remains to be seen how serious the issue proves to be, though Potter was concerned after the match.
“It doesn’t look positive, it’s a hamstring [injury],” Potter told BT Sport.
Chilwell injured at the end of Chelsea's win over Dinamo Zagreb pic.twitter.com/BFQLZVGLXL
— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) November 2, 2022
“We’ll have to scan it and see how it is.”
Kepa Arrizabalaga was not involved as Chelsea wrapped up their Champions League group-stage campaign with a 2-1 win over Zagreb, Raheem Sterling and debutant Denis Zakaria getting on the scoresheet after the Blues had falled behind.
The Spaniard missed out with injury, allowing Edouard Mendy to get his chance in goal, and he was seen at Stamford Bridge on crutches, with Potter confirmed the goalkeeper will not be available to face Arsenal this weekend.
“He won’t be okay for Sunday,” Potter said.
“It’s only precautionary in terms of keeping the weight off it, the bottom of his foot. He is progressing well.”
Before that injury blow to Chilwell it was a largely positive night for Chelsea in west London, Zakaria the star of the show as he made his long-awaited debut and made an instant impact.
He is expected to stay at Chelsea for the rest of the season, putting an end to previous suggestions that his loan could be terminated early, and the midfielder certainly put forward a strong case for increased involvement in the side.
“I thought he was really good, you can see what he brings and the quality that he has,” Potter said.
“He certainly did what we asked, which was to give us competition there. He did everything he could. Nice for him to score, great debut.”
