Chelsea Suffer Major Injury Blow Ahead Of Arsenal, Manchester City Clashes

Chelsea FC has suffered a major injury blow going into its festive fixtures against Arsenal, Aston Villa and Manchester City after Ben Chilwell turned his ankle during the win over West Ham United on Monday night.

The left-back had to be replaced early in the second half during the game against West Ham after an accidental collision with Jarrod Bowen.

Despite coming back to the match after receiving treatment, the defender was quick to realize that he could not continue and left the pitch.

According to the Irish Independent, Chilwell has undergone a scan to find out the extent of his injury, and much to manager Frank Lampard’s relief, it is not as bad as feared.

While there was no serious damage found, there is a possibility of a minor ligament trauma.

Chelsea is hopeful that it will not be a long spell on the sidelines for the English standout, who has been in fine form since joining the club from Leicester City earlier in the summer.

They believe the defender should be available again in two weeks’ time, but that would still mean he will miss important fixtures against Arsenal on Dec. 26 and Manchester City on Jan. 3.

To compound Lampard's misery, the Blues boss will also miss the services of right-back Reece James, who was already on the sidelines for the joust versus West Ham. It’s unclear if he will be available for their visit to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Cezar Azpilicueta has deputized in James’sabsence, but Lampard is crossing his fingers that the Englishman could suit up for them this weekend.