BEN CHILWELL had a birthday to forget after hobbling off injured for Chelsea after just ten minutes – and could miss the trip to Arsenal.
The left-back collided with West Ham winger Jarod Bowen – who coincidentally celebrated his birthday only a day earlier.
Ben Chilwell had a birthday to forget after hobbling off injured for Chelsea after just ten minutesCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Chilwell, who turned 24, was replaced by Emerson as the Blues went on to win 3-0, with Thiago Silva and Tammy Abraham on target.
Manager Frank Lampard confirmed after the game that the defender suffered an ankle injury and will have a scan.
But Chilwell faces a fight to be fit for Chelsea’s Boxing Day trip to arch rivals Arsenal.
Lampard said: “Turned his ankle, will have a scan tomorrow to see how he is.
“He’s certainly a doubt for Arsenal.”
It will come as a blow for manager Frank Lampard as he approaches a hectic festive run of games.
The Chelsea boss already has right-back Reece James sidelined with a knee injury.
While Hakim Ziyech has been out since the start of December after picking up a hamstring problem in Chelsea’s 3-1 win against Leeds.
But Lampard has been given a boost with winger Callum Hudson-Odoi returning to the squad after suffering the same strain.
The forward was on the bench against the Hammers, after Lampard admitted it was too early to confirm when James or Ziyech could play again.
Premier League manager voted AGAINST the return of five subs despite complaints about crammed fixtures.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk