BEN CHILWELL is OUT of the World Cup with a hamstring injury, Chelsea have confirmed.
As SunSport revealed earlier this week, Chilwell will miss the tournament after feeling his hamstring “pop” during the Blues’ 2-1 victory over Dinamo Zagreb.
Ben Chilwell picked up a hamstring injury in mid-week
The England left-back was helped off by medical staff
A Chelsea statement read: “Following the injury sustained in our recent game against Dinamo Zagreb, Ben has undergone a scan on his hamstring.
“Results show that Ben has suffered a significant injury and the defender is unfortunately expected to miss the World Cup.
“Ben will now begin a rehabilitation programme with the club’s medical department.”
Chilwell is also set to miss a sizeable chunk of the rest of the season with the issue.
He pulled up during the final stages of the match, grimacing in pain and being helped off by medical staff.
After his scan results emerged, Chilwell wrote on Twitter: “Following my ACL injury I worked so hard to make sure I was ready for the World Cup.
“It has always been a dream of mine. Unfortunately, this won’t be possible following my scan results.
“I’ll do all I can to get back playing for Chelsea ASAP. Thanks for the messages of support.”
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The left-back has made 14 appearances for the Blues this term, after finally shaking off the ruptured cruciate ligament injury he suffered last November.
Gareth Southgate is now set to be without him in Qatar, with Luke Shaw and Kieran Trippier likely to go as his left-back options.
Yesterday, Blues boss Graham Potter said of Chilwell: “He feels OK but is obviously aware of the injury and we need to let the swelling settle down and hence the delay with the scan. We’ll know more after that.
“I wouldn’t say he fears the worst but we all saw the nature of the injury. I can’t say it looks positive but until we get the scan it’s difficult to say.”
Chilwell is the second Blues star to suffer a serious injury on the eve of the World Cup, after Reece James.
The right-back sustained a knee injury during last month’s Champions League win in Milan.
James refused to give up on his World Cup dream, and is reportedly “ahead of schedule” in his recovery.
England kick off their campaign against Iran on November 21.
England begin their World Cup campaign in under two weeks
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