'Bad news': Mauricio Pochettino confirms injury blow for Chelsea defender

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed that Ben Chilwell suffered a serious hamstring injury during the Carabao Cup third round win over Brighton.

The England international was handed a starting role at left-back against the Seagulls. He had a good outing, but was forced off in the closing minutes with a hamstring issue.

Pochettino has now revealed that the injury is a bad one and the doctors will assess in the next few days to provide the exact timescale for his recovery.

He said: "I think it’s bad news. From what the doctor told me it’s not a good thing, it looks like a bad injury, but we need to assess in the next few days. But it doesn’t look good."

Chillwell has been hampered by several injuries during his career and he has suffered another setback. The news is a huge blow for the west London giants.

In his absence, Levi Colwill could continue at left-back, but Ian Maatsen and Marc Cucurella are options for Pochettino. The Blues face Fulham on the road tomorrow.