Chelsea: Ben Chilwell ‘is ruled out for the rest of the season’

Chelsea have confirmed defender Ben Chilwell‘s season is over due to a knee injury that requires surgery.

The Chelsea and England left back sustained cruciate ligament damage in the Blues’ 4-0 win over Juventus in the Champions League last month and has been out of action ever since.

Chelsea have made the call that Chilwell now needs an operation on his knee, forcing him to be on the sidelines for the remainder of the campaign in a huge blow to Thomas Tuchel’s plans.

Chelsea and England left back Ben Chilwell has been ruled out for the rest of the season

Sportsmail had reported at the time that Chilwell, who was in fine form, may need season-ending surgery but would delay making a final decision.

A statement from Chelsea on Tuesday read: ‘After a knee injury in the match against Juventus the Chelsea medical department, in collaboration with their knee specialist, took the decision to attempt a conservative rehab approach.

‘Unfortunately Ben was unable to progress and so collectively the decision has been taken to proceed this week with a surgical repair.’

The 25-year-old was left on the ground writhing ‘in a lot of pain’, according to Tuchel at the time after appearing to jar his right knee after a challenge with Adrien Rabiot. 

He had an initial scan on the issue but Chelsea waited to see how his knee responded in the following weeks before deciding on an operation. 

The Chelsea full back looked to jar his knee against Juventus before he limped from the pitch

After falling out of favour under Gareth Southgate for England at the Euros last summer and starting the season as Marcos Alonso’s back-up at Stamford Bridge, Chilwell enjoyed an impressive revival. 

He won his place back in Tuchel’s side and was a standout player in the run-up to his setback. 

Chiwell notched four goals for club and country in October and was pivotal to the Blues leading the way in the Premier League. 

Chelsea’s form has been hit in recent weeks as they’ve been impacted by an injury and Covid crisis and now find themselves six points adrift of leaders Manchester City.