Stamford Bridge, London, Britain - November 2, 2022. Chelsea's Ben Chilwell down injured as Mason Mount looks on.
Chelsea defender Ben Chilwell facing a long spell on the sidelines is a ‘massive blow’ for him and the club, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.
The Lowdown: Chilwell out of World Cup
The Premier League giants secured a 2-1 victory over Dinamo Zagreb to round off their Champions League group campaign at the start of this month, but their spirits were dampened when the 25-year-old was forced off the pitch after sustaining a hamstring injury.
Chilwell will now miss the World Cup and has been omitted from England’s 26-man squad by Gareth Southgate as a result, in what will be hugely disappointing news for the left-back.
The Latest: O’Rourke’s comments
Speaking to GiveMeSport, O’Rourke was gutted to learn of Chilwell’s injury and suggested that it couldn’t have happened at a worse time for the 25-year-old.
He said: “It’s a big blow for Graham Potter and also a massive blow for Ben Chilwell, missing out on the World Cup with England. He’s been so unlucky with injuries recently.
“He’s recently come back from a serious knee injury and now to get this hamstring injury as well will come as a huge blow. Potter wants to have his best players fit and available right now, especially with Chelsea’s current form, which has seen them fail to win any of their last four Premier League matches.”
The Verdict: Better than Cucurella
Marc Cucurella arrived at Stamford Bridge over the summer and was later reunited with his former Brighton boss Potter, but he has not had the same level of impact as Chilwell at Chelsea.
The Englishman had two assists and one goal to his name in nine league appearances this season prior to his injury and offered a threat in the air, winning 1.3 headers per 90 minutes.
Chelsea fans: Chilwell or Cucurella?
Chilwell
Cucurella
Chelsea will be hoping that Chilwell’s absence doesn’t go on for too long, but at least the upcoming break for the World Cup will provide him with the ideal opportunity to take a big step closer to fitness by the time club action resumes on Boxing Day.
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