Beniot Badiashile is reportedly facing up to four weeks out with an injury.
The Chelsea defender was forced off with a few minutes to play in the Blues’ 3-1 FA Cup win over Aston Villa last week, and according to the Standard, the 22-year-old has suffered a groin strain.
Set to miss the next four weeks, Badiashile could be ruled out for as many as six matches, including the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool.
Although Mauricio Pochettino has plenty of backup options available to him in defence, Badiashile’s absence will still serve as a significant blow. The Frenchman, who started in all of Chelsea’s last four matches, had just been coming into form.
The fact that Badiashile will now miss the remainder of February’s fixures could hand Trevoh Chalobah, who has been heavily linked with a transfer away, an unlikely opportunity to impress.
Should Badiashile not return until this time next month, he will miss the following fixtures:
Premier League – Crystal Palace (A)
Premier League – Man City (A)
Carabao Cup Final – Liverpool
FA Cup Fifth Round – Leeds United (H)
Premier League – Brentford (A)
Premier League – Newcastle United (H)