Ben Chilwell is expected to miss the World Cup after a scan on his hamstring brought back results of a 'significant injury.'
The English fullback was helped off the pitch in the last minute against Dinamo Zagreb after pulling up holding his hamstring in stoppage time.
The defender sustaind a damaging knee injury 12-months ago that ruled him out for most of the season and his workload has been managed carefully this campaign too.
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A statement from Chelsea reads: "Following the injury sustained in our recent game against Dinamo Zagreb, Ben has undergone a scan on his hamstring.
"Results show that Ben has suffered a significant injury and the defender is unfortunately expected to miss the World Cup.
"Ben will now begin a rehabilitation programme with the club’s medical department."
Potter chose to lead with a strong side against Zagreb in Europe despite having a passage to the last-16 as group winners already decided. His decision backfired in the last minute though as Chilwell sprinted to keep a ball in play before pulling up and holding his hamstring.
Speaking ahead of a key London derby clash against Arsenal, Potter said: "He [Chilwell] feels ok but obviously aware of the injury."
He added “I wouldn’t say fear the worst; it’s just we all saw the nature of the injury. I can’t say it looks positive. But until we get the scan, it’s difficult to say.”
Chelsea already have Reece James, N'Golo Kante and Wesley Fofana out injured until the World Cup break. James is hopeful of recovering from his knee injury in time to play in Qatar whereas Fofana is more likely to miss the tournament but return after the break.
Kante is out for another four months after his own hamstring issue following an injury against Tottenham in August. The Blues are also dealing with knocks for Carney Chukwuemeka and Kepa Arrizabalaga as Graham Potter copes with fitness and fatigue throughout his squad. Kalidou Koulibaly and Mateo Kovacic have also missed recent weeks with their own struggles.
This is a developing news story that will be updated with relevant information as we get it. More to follow...
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