Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel provided a major update on Ben Chilwell’s injury with the wing-back a concern for the west Londoners following the midweek win over Juventus.
The England international limped off the Stamford Bridge pitch in the later stages of the game and fears had been on the rise that Chilwell could be in line to be sidelined for the remainder of the campaign.
Thomas Tuchel, however, sounded out some much-needed respite on the injury front for Chilwell with the Chelsea boss admitting in his pre-match press conference that the next six weeks will determine the extent of the wing-back’s injury.
‘Ben is out.’
‘He has a partial injury of his ACL [anterior cruciate ligament] and the decision is to treat it conservatively.
‘The next six weeks will tell the story if he makes it and will be fully available, or if he needs surgery after that.’
I only care about the next six weeks.’
‘We are positive because the first reaction of his body is good so we hope it stays like this.
‘Everybody’s focus is on the next six weeks to get him back on the pitch. After all the examinations, it’s a very sensible decision so there is no pressure. The decision is made and the next weeks will give the direction.
‘There is never a good moment for big injuries or injuries in general but Ben is actually very positive at the moment. I just spoke to him a few minutes ago and his body has responded well to the first treatment and the injury so we have to focus on the positive things.’
Chilwell’s absence for the forthcoming league outing at the Bridge against Manchester United will mean that the Spain international Marcos Alsono will provide cover in the left wing-back role.
Alonso had started the season on a superb note before Chilwell’s run of form made him the first-choice option under Thomas Tuchel’s charge as the Blues cruised to the summit in the league.
