Chelsea vice-captain Ben Chilwell says he expects to be back in action for the Blues in “a few weeks”.
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Speaking at the event earlier his week, the defender was asked about when he could return to fitness and he replied:
“A few weeks, a few weeks, of course, looking forward to getting back fit. Hopefully, I’ll have a good second half of the season and, yeah hopefully [I’ll] be at the Euros [with England] next summer.”
Chilwell has not made an appearance since injuring his hamstring during the 1-0 win over Brighton in the Carabao Cup at the end of September.
It was estimated that the fullback would be out for at least a couple of months so a return at the start of December was expected. From the sound of things, though, fans may have to wait until the middle of next month to see him make his comeback.
Which Chelsea games could Chilwell return to feature in?
The league fixture against Sheffield United on December 16th could be pencilled in as a potential return date for the 26-year-old. It will be hoped he will be fit for the busy festive period when the Blues take on Newcastle in the Carabao Cup, Wolves at Molineux on Christmas Eve, Crystal Palace on December 27th and Luton Town on the 30th.
Of course, due to Chilwell’s history with hamstring injuries, the club will have to be careful to ensure that he doesn’t suffer any recurrence.
Chilwell has competition for his place at left-back
It is not a surefire guarantee that the England international will get his place back in the starting eleven straight away.
Marc Cucurella has performed well in recent weeks, while manager Mauricio Pochettino has regularly selected Levi Colwill to play on the left-hand side of defence. It means Chilwell will be keen to make an impression when he is fit and available again.