Ben Chilwell: Chelsea defender will miss World Cup with hamstring injury

Ben Chilwell will miss the 2022 World Cup after sustaining a serious injury in Chelsea’s win against Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday.

Chilwell stopped with a hamstring problem chasing the ball in stoppage time in the win over Dinamo Zagreb.

Earlier on Saturday, a statement from Chelsea read: “Following the injury sustained in our recent game against Dinamo Zagreb, Ben underwent a hamstring scan.

“The results show that Ben has suffered a significant injury and the defender is unfortunately set to miss the World Cup.

“Ben will now start a rehabilitation program with the club’s medical service.”

The England defender, who has been unlucky with injuries in the past, managed to get up and played the final seconds of the game, but had to be carried down the tunnel at the full-time whistle and left the stadium on crutches.

Southgate will name their squad on Thursday

Gareth Southgate will name his England squad for the World Cup in Qatar on Thursday. Their campaign will then kick off against Iran on November 21.

Chilwell has made 17 senior international appearances, scoring one goal.

He was part of the squad that reached the Euro finals in 2021 but didn’t play any games during the tournament.

“Heartbreaking for Chilwell and disturbing for Southgate”

Sky Sports News reporter Rob Dorsett:

“First of all, it’s heartbreaking for Chilwell himself. Remember, he didn’t play a single minute of football for England at the Euros, largely because he had to isolate himself. after chatting with club mate Billy Gilmour in Wembley tunnel after the draw with Scotland.

“But it’s also very troubling for Southgate who, with injuries to Reece James, Kyle Walker and Kyle Walker-Peters, have seen their full-back options decimated.

“It means Luke Shaw and Kieran Trippier will be even more inked in the squad of 26, and Chilwell’s misfortune will be matched by the optimism of Trent Alexander-Arnold, with the Liverpool man – the subject of much debate around of selection – now much more likely to be included as a specialist full-back, even if he operates on the opposite wing.

“In fact, those three – Shaw, Trippier and Alexander-Arnold – are currently the only fully fit options for Southgate on their regular roster of full-backs.

“He’ll want to take at least one more wide defender you think, even if Walker can prove he’s fit enough to be included in the World Cup squad. (I’m hearing positive noises from people around Walker during his rehab).

“The key question is whether Southgate prioritizes versatility over specialist full-backs.

“The main ‘specialist’ left-backs are Tyrick Mitchell and Ryan Sessegnon – who play regularly for Palace and Spurs respectively.

“Although Leicester’s James Justin will push those tough two for a place, with the added bonus that he’s equally comfortable down both flanks.

“When it comes to versatility, Southgate already have options in most of their squad.

“Although it is now clear that Bukayo Saka is best utilized in a wide attacking position, he can – and has – played left-back for club and country. Although it should be noted that when he has was picked in a back four against Italy, he looked uncomfortable.

“Again, in the versatility stakes, Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi scores a lot. He’s also played left-back in his career, and Chilwell’s absence may well boost his chances of a place on the plane for the Qatar.

“Similarly, Ben White has played at right-back for Arsenal for much of this season, so he provides good cover down the back line.”

Burn? Mitchell? Henry? Who could replace Chilwell for England?

Chilwell now missing the tournament in Qatar and just days before Southgate names his squad, there is much talk about who should replace Chilwell in the squad.

We take a look at the potential options Southgate has at its disposal…