Chelsea sweats over Ben Chilwell’s fitness after the left-back limped with an ankle injury against West Ham … as Frank Lampard confirms the defender is a ‘doubt’ for the Arsenal clash
- Ben Chilwell limped off after just 10 minutes against West Ham on Monday
- The left-back sprained his ankle after an initial challenge with Jarrod Bowen
- He tried to continue but was forced to retire, joining Reece James on the disabled list.
- Frank Lampard revealed that Chilwell will have a scan on Tuesday to see gravity
Frank Lampard was desperate for a win against West Ham on Monday, but now it will be the result of Ben Chilwell’s injury scan that is stressing the Blues boss.
The left-back, celebrating his 24th birthday, winced as he hit the grass just four minutes before the Blues’ 3-0 win over their London rivals, spraining his ankle after colliding with Jarrod Bowen.
The Englishman was replaced by Emerson after a failed attempt to heal the injury, raising new concerns about fitness on defense with Reece James already in doubt for the Arsenal clash on Boxing Day.
Ben Chilwell limped off the court injured after just six minutes against West Ham on Monday
The left-back severely sprained his ankle after contesting a ball with forward Jarrod Bowen
Chilwell was replaced by Emerson with just 10 minutes left, which worries Lampard
“I hope he has doubts for Arsenal,” revealed Lampard.
“He sprained his ankle, he tried to continue, but it was too painful, so tomorrow we’ll have a scan or whatever and try to see how bad it is.”
While James will only need knee surgery as a “last resort,” Chilwell’s blow could be a major setback for Lampard.
“We hope their injuries are not so serious and that they are in and around those Christmas games,” added the Blues icon.
Blues boss will be desperate to get Chilwell and Reece James in shape for upcoming games
James has been in excellent shape, but he limped in the Blues’ disappointing loss to the Wolves.
Despite Emerson coming in as a left back and César Azpilicueta replacing James in form, the Blues were rock solid at the rear, thanks in large part to the summer signing of Thiago Silva, who was Sportsmail’s The man of the match.
Silva led the Blues after 10 minutes before Tammy Abraham’s quick double at the end sealed Lampard her first win over West Ham since returning to Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal are next for Chelsea and with the Gunners sliding into a relegation fight, having not won in the Premier League since 1 November, they will hope to lay the foundation for another positive streak.
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