Chelsea’s season could again go from bad to worse as the Blues were dealt another blow on Thursday (Mar 7) with Ben Chilwell sustaining another injury setback. The England left-back has not trained with the Blues since the 2-2 draw against West London rivals Brentford on Saturday. However, now it is reported that Chilwell could see a specialist on the knee issue he sustained in the draw as troubles continue for the Blues.
Ben Chilwell Injury
“The same situation as last week,” Pochettino said on whether any of Chelsea’s absent stars could return to face Newcastle.
“You all know now that we’ve added Levi Colwill and Chilwell to the list of injured players.
“Since Saturday, Gallagher has not been training because he’s got a virus. Let’s see if it’s possible for [Gallagher] to be available. We need to assess him.”
Injuries have seen Chilwell’s involvement in the Chelsea side limited to just 31 starts in the last two seasons. The England international was part of Chelsea’s Champions League-winning side in 2021 and is one of the few players still in the camp alongside Reece James and Thiago Silva. The latest injury blow should also see Gareth Southgate prefer other choices over Chilwell during the upcoming international break and also during the Euro 2024.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side has already lost James through a long-term injury while the likes of Levi Colwill and Romeo Lavia are also absent. Conor Gallagher was also absent from the training having been suffering from illness.
Also Read: Man City and Arsenal Rise in Premier League Standings; Liverpool Maintains Top Spot | GW 27
Chelsea’s quest for European football
Chelsea will next take the field on Monday (Mar 11) against Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League. The Blues will start in the 11th position at the start of the weekend with 36 points from 26 matches. They are 14 points behind fifth-placed Tottenham, which could be the last possible Champions League spot. The Newcastle match will be followed by the FA Cup quarterfinal contest against Leicester City in what will be a repeat of the 2021 final. The Foxes are currently top of the Championship and could end Chelsea’s hopes of reaching Europe next season.
Chelsea’s best chance of making it to European football next season stands through winning the FA Cup while the league struggles continue. They could have booked their place in the Europa Conference League at least had they won the League Cup final against Liverpool in the last week of February.
Also Read: Watkins and Trippier lead the Premier League most assists chart after Gameweek 27