Chelsea defender Benoit Badiashile is set to be sidelined for as long as four months with a groin injury in the latest major blow to their season, it has been revealed.
The Blues have endured a torrid season, their worst in Premier League history, and have already been through three permanent managers under new owner Todd Boehly, while Mauricio Pochettinoβs impending arrival will be the fifth person to take a game in 12 months.
They have suffered terribly on the injury front, and at present they have 10 players on the injury table through various issues ahead of the final game of their season.
The latest was January addition Benoit Badiashile, who pulled up during training ahead of the Manchester City game and was absent from the trip to the Etihad Stadium as a result.
Chelsea’s Kai Havertz celebrates scoring their side’s first goal of the game with team-mate Benoit Badiashile during the Premier League match at Stamford Bridge, London. Picture date: Sunday January 15, 2023. 2M8RJDG Chelsea’s Kai Havertz celebrates scoring their side’s first goal of the game with team-mate Benoit Badiashile during the Premier League match at Stamford Bridge, London. Picture date: Sunday January 15, 2023. (Alamy Stock Photo)
Quizzed on the Frenchman, Frank Lampard explained βBenoit injured himself in training two days ago, his groin, and will miss the game. Weβre assessing that now as we speak.β
However, it has since emerged that the injury is worse than first feared, and the London Evening Standard report that the January signing could be sidelined for four months and is set to miss the start of next season in a blow to incoming boss Pochettino.
The news could endanger his spot in the first XI, however, with fellow left-footed defender Levi Colwill having impressed while on loan at Brighton this season and potentially set for a big role with the Blues next season.
Injury to Badiashile makes his role easier, and could leave the Frenchman with an uphill battle to win his place back next campaign.