Chilwell returns to training for England despite back injury

Ben Chilwell limped off the pitch holding his back after just half an hour a couple of days ago, but he’s back in training with England today rather than recovering at Cobham and making sure he’s ready for the weekend’s game (Newcastle, visitor) and during the four months of wall-to-wall games (coronavirus permitting) beyond.

Chilwell’s injury was described as “just” a “back spasm” brought on by “excessive travel” (as far as … Belgium!), But it was severe enough to prevent him from playing on Sunday. News has been scant since then, and even now England manager Gareth Southgate isn’t giving out much useful information.

“We will continue to monitor Ben Chilwell as he continues to receive treatment for a back problem from the other day. But everyone else has no problem. “

The obvious move would be for Chelsea to put our foot down and bring Chilly home if there were any doubts about her fitness, and clearly there are, even if that might go against her own wishes. England don’t need it against the worst team in their Nations League group, Iceland. We make. I need it. A lot.

Indeed, England have already lost the top of the group (with Sunday’s 2-0 loss), making Wednesday’s game literally insignificant. Of course, Southgate is playing the patriotic card, which is his prerogative, but it is a dirty trick to do here, especially with concerns about injuries and coronavirus.

“We will find out a lot now because there will surely be pressure from some clubs on their own players. We live with that constantly, but we have players who want to play for England and we are proud of the way we play and we want to finish well.

-Gareth Southgate; source: Metro

If not.