CHELSEA have taken a huge blow to their back line with Benoit Badiashile expected to be put of action until early NEXT season.
The 22-year-old missed out on Chelsea’s trip to Manchester City on Sunday after picking up a groin injury in training.
Benoit Badiashile signed for Chelsea in January to shore up their back line
According to the Evening Standard he is facing up to four months on the sidelines and will require surgery.
Badiashile’s absence could be a big blow to Mauricio Pochettino who is expected to take charge of the Blues next season.
The former Spurs boss will have the pre-season to get his new side into shape after a disappointing campaign this year.
Badiashile’s injury will mean he won’t be available while Pochettino integrates his new tactics and will be sat on the sidelines for his first few games in charge.
The French centre-back’s £35million move from Monaco was one of many fresh faces through the door for the London club as they splashed the cash in January.
He has made 11 appearances for Chelsea since the move and is considered by a lot of fans as a player for the future as they rebuild under new owner Todd Boehly.
Badiashile won’t be lonely in the medical room at Chelsea’s training ground as he joins Mason Mount, Reece James, Mateo Kovacic, N’Golo Kante and Ben Chilwell on the club’s ever-growing injury list.
Chelsea have options at centre back for next season with Badiashile’s injury possibly opening the door for Levi Colwill to come into the side.
Colwill has impressed on loan at Brighton and has already attracted interest from elsewhere after standing out in the Seagulls’ impressive season.
There is rumoured to be a huge offload of players from Stamford Bridge this summer with the club struggling to deal with their inflated squad size.
