Chelsea star hands Pochettino huge blow as surgery planned after groin injury – could miss next four months

Chelsea have been handed a huge injury blow ahead of next season after Benoit Badiashile’s groin injury is worse than first feared, according to reports.

The 22-year-old picked up a groin injury in training ahead of Chelsea’s defeat to Manchester City last week and assessments were ongoing by the club’s medical team to learn the full extent of the problem.

“Benoit has injured himself in training two days ago (Wednesday), his groin, so will miss the game,” caretaker boss Frank Lampard said on Friday. “We are assessing that as we speak.”

The bad news has been delivered, as reported by Nizaar Kinsella, with Badiashile missing the rest of the season and at risk of being sidelined for the beginning of the 2023/24 season.

Badiashile is now expected to miss the start of next season and was due to undergo surgery on Monday which could keep him out for up to four months.

It hands incoming head coach Mauricio Pochettino with a huge setback after the Frenchman’s impressive performances since arriving from AS Monaco during the January transfer window.

Badiashile joins the long list of injury absentees. Reece James, Ben Chilwell, Marc Cucurella, Mason Mount, N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic and Armando Broja are all currently unavailable for selection.

Chelsea’s injury problems haven’t let up this season but Badiashile, who is claimed to be seen as ‘a key player for the future’, being sidelined could hand the opportunity for Levi Colwill to slot into the side.

Colwill has impressed during his loan spell at Brighton & Hove Albion this season, attracting interest from the Premier League’s top clubs, including Manchester City and Liverpool.

Badiashile and Chelsea will be hoping the surgery is successful and his recovery goes to plan in order to return to the side as soon as possible.