Chelsea defender Ben Chilwell is set to undergo scans after being forced off against Brighton with a suspected hamstring injury.
In another injury blow for Mauricio Pochettino, Chilwell limped off in the closing minutes of Wednesday’s 1-0 Carabao Cup win at Stamford Bridge.
The 26-year-old is now a major doubt for games against Fulham and Burnley before the October international break.
Chelsea remain hopeful Chilwell has avoided a significant injury after falling under a challenge from Billy Gilmour.
But he will have tests to determine the full extent of the issue.
Speaking afer the game, Pochettino said: “Yes, we need to assess tomorrow but I think it is a hamstring [problem].”
Chilwell has suffered three hamstring injuries since the start of last season, dating back to a three-month lay-off that forced him to miss the World Cup in Qatar.
He has been hit by injury issues at Chelsea and also missed nine months after suffering a serious knee injury during the 2021-22 season.
Chelsea are now expected to be without 11 players for their trip to Fulham on Monday, with Nicolas Jackson and Malo Gusto suspended.
Noni Madueke was curiously not selected against Brighton, despite youngsters Deivid Washington, Alex Matos, Josh Brooking and Alfie Gilchrist featuring on the bench.
When asked about Madueke’s absence, Pochettino said: “It’s about choice.”
Chelsea captain Reece James could be hit with a ban when he returns from injury after he was charged by the FA with allegedly abusing a match official in the tunnel following Sunday’s 1-0 home defeat to Aston Villa.
James did not feature in the match but is alleged to have confronted referee Jarred Gillett.
He is not expected back from his hamstring injury until after the international break.
