Chelsea star Ben Chilwell ruled out for at least six weeks with ACL injury but could need surgery to recover

CHELSEA star Ben Chilwell will be out for at least six weeks with a partial ACL injury.

But the England left-back could miss even more action if he requires surgery next year.

1

Chilwell had just emerged as a key figure for Chelsea, reinventing the attacking wing-back role alongside teammate Reece James with three goals and an assist in just six league outings.

But the ex-Leicester ace's delight turned to misery in Tuesday's 3-0 win over Juventus.

Chilwell went down in agony clutching his knee after a collision with an opponent.

And he needed support from two medics to limp off the Stamford Bridge turf.

Chelsea were left sweating on scans amid fears Chilwell had fully ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament, ruling him out for nine months.

However, Thomas Tuchel revealed on Friday the defender is hopefully set to miss just six weeks of action.

Most read in Football

RED MISSED

Prem ref makes history as he refuses red card after Cucurella is 'clotheslined'

MAN DOWN

Pep loses it with his OWN PLAYER and boots stand during match after marriage split

SWITCHING OFF

Cristiano Ronaldo 'rolled his eyes' whenever Man Utd team-mate spoke

PREM LATEST

Jota LEVELS for Liverpool, James scores in injury time, Man City DRAW

Yet Chilwell could be out for a longer period of time if it's decided he needs surgery when re-examined early next year.

Tuchel explained: "He has a partial injury of his ACL. The decision is to treat it conservatively.

"The next six weeks will tell the story if he makes it within this six weeks or if he needs surgery after.

"The first reaction of his injury is very positive. Now I only care about the six weeks. That is the focus.

The first reaction of Chilwell's body is very positive

Thomas Tuchel

“The first reaction of his body is very positive. Now the full focus from everybody is for the first six weeks, to bring him back to the pitch and make him play.

"It’s a very responsible decision, no rush in it and not pressure. So all the focus is on the next six weeks.

“If everything is fine, that’s the best case (scenario). There is a worst case and some shades or grey in between, but there’s no point talking about the worst case scenario.

"The decision is made and the next (six) weeks will determine the decision.”

With Chilwell now out of Chelsea's festive period, Marcos Alonso is likely to get his place back in the XI after starting the season as the No1 left wing-back.

⚽ Read our Football news live blog for the very latest rumours, gossip and done deals

Reports claim the Blues have also been examining the possibility of recalling academy defender Ian Maatsen from his loan spell at Huddersfield.

READ MORE SUN STORIES

MOTOR MAYHEM

M5 closed after four-vehicle crash causes chaos on major motorway

tough break

Real reason behind Zara and Sam's split as ‘insecure’ pair clashed in secret

Euro 2020 winner and Italy ace Emerson Palmieri also remains on the books after being loaned to Lyon in the summer.

But it is unclear if Chelsea have a recall clause allowing him to return as cover in January.