Early analyses have allayed concerns of a more serious injury, but Ben Chilwell is scheduled to miss four weeks of play due to a hamstring issue.
After hobbling off the field in the closing seconds of Chelsea’s 1-0 Carabao Cup victory over Brighton on Wednesday, the 26-year-old defender’s scans were postponed until Friday.
Prior to the October international break, he is expected to miss Chelsea’s upcoming matches against Fulham and Burnley.
A four-week absence would be ideal, but vice-captain Chilwell’s third hamstring injury since the start of the previous season in the collision with Billy Gilmour raises more serious concerns.
Chilwell’s replacement for Monday’s match at Fulham between Chelsea and Fulham is either Marc Cucurella or Ian Maatsen.
Malo Gusto and Nicolas Jackson are both suspended for the trip to Craven Cottage, bringing the total number of injured players for Mauricio Pochettino to nine.
Chilwell is not anticipated to be included in Gareth Southgate’s newest England team, which will be unveiled on Thursday in time for the friendlies against Australia and Italy in the Euro 2024 qualifying round.
Due to the absence of both Chilwell and Luke Shaw, Southgate is facing an injury dilemma at left-back. Rico Henry of Brentford, who had been aiming for his first call-up, is also out after undergoing knee surgery.
As a defender for England, Kieran Trippier of Newcastle will probably switch from right to left, with Tyrick Mitchell of Crystal Palace in a good position to be called up.
Reece James is purportedly accused of using “improper and/or insulting and/or abusive words and/or behavior” toward a match official in the tunnel during Sunday’s 1-0 home loss to Aston Villa, and he is anticipated to accept his FA charge.
The Chelsea captain, who was absent from the game due to a hamstring injury of his own, may receive a suspension for allegedly approaching referee Jarred Gillett.
As he continues his recovery on the grass at Cobham, he has until Friday to respond to the charge.