Chelsea defender Ben Chilwell will undergo knee surgery that will rule him out for the rest of the season. Chilwell suffered an anterior cruciate ligament damage in Chelsea’s Champions League win against Juventus on 23 November. The Blues hoped that Chilwell could return to action without surgery, but the England left-hander has been told he should have a ligament repair operation. “Following a knee injury in the match against Juventus, Chelsea’s medical department, together with their knee specialist, decided to try a conservative rehab approach,” a Chelsea statement said.
“Unfortunately Ben was unable to make progress and therefore the collective decision has been made this week to proceed with surgical repair.”
Given that Chilwell has been sidelined until the end of this season, Chelsea could look to a January transfer window for a replacement.
Everton’s Lucas Digne and Ajax’s Nicolas Tagliafico are said to be among Chelsea’s top candidates to fill the vacancy.
Marcos Alonso is Chelsea’s only senior left-back in Chilwell’s absence.
Blues midfielders Callum Hudson-Odoi, Saul Nigge and Christian Pulisic have deputized without appearing comfortable in the role.
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel could also recall Ian Matson or Emerson Palmery from their loan tenures.
Matsson has impressed at the Championships in Coventry, while Emerson has been a regular in his temporary stint at Lyon.
Chilwell’s surgery is the latest injury to third-placed Chelsea, who host Brighton in a Premier League clash on Wednesday.
Ruben is a suspect with a Loftus-Cheek leg injury, while Timo Werner and Kai Havertz may be able to return after the Covid-19 isolation.
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Thiago Silva suffered a thigh injury and N’Golo Kante suffered a knee problem in Sunday’s win at Aston Villa, with both suspects set to face Brighton.
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