Ben Chilwell’s World Cup hopes are hanging by a thread after he pulled up with a hamstring injury during Chelsea’s Champions League win over Dinamo Zagreb.
As the minutes ticked down at Stamford Bridge with Chelsea leading 2-1, Chilwell limped away from a challenge and went down on the sideline in discomfort holding his hamstring.
It was a brutal end to the night for the Chelsea defender with the game almost over and just over a week to go until Gareth Southgate names his 26-man England squad for the Qatar World Cup.
After overcoming his ACL injury from last season, Chilwell has pushed to get himself in contention for a spot on the plane but now his chances of a call-up are in major doubt.
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The 25-year-old was helped off by the medical team at full-time on Wednesday night after being handed a start by Potter, and his as well as his teammates' faces said it all - it didn’t look good.
Potter was quizzed about the injury and admitted it doesn’t look good and will now await the results of a scan on Thursday.
He said: "Not great. When he pulls up like that it’s a concern.
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"We need to scan but it’s not positive at the moment."
Denis Zakaria, who scored on his Chelsea debut, was substituted with a knock but it appeared it was just fatigue after making his first appearance since joining from Juventus in the summer.
Potter said: “He just got a kick. Just the contact. He was fine. No problems with him.”
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Kalidou Koulibaly was also given a scare after holding his knee following a return from injury, but was taken off around the hour mark for Thiago Silva.
Chilwell is set to join Wesley Fofana, Reece James and N’Golo Kante on the sidelines, but for how long remains unclear right now.
The England international will be hoping it isn't for a lengthy period.
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Kepa Arrizabalaga also missed Wednesday’s win with a foot problem sustained against Brighton & Hove Albion.
"He turned up to Stamford Bridge on crutches, but Potter confirmed it was just precautionary.
Potter added: "No he won’t be okay for Sunday (vs Arsenal).
"It’s only precautionary (crutches) to keep weight off the foot, progressing well but won’t be available for Sunday."
Topics: Chelsea, Football, Ben Chilwell, England, Football World Cup
Matthew Debono