Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has delivered a significant setback to the Stamford Bridge faithful, confirming that defender Benoit Badiashile will be out of action until December.
The robust centre-half sustained the malady during the high-stakes win over Premier League champions Liverpool just prior to the recent international fixture.
Maresca, speaking at the club’s training ground, confirmed the severity of the knock, which rules the Frenchman out of a crucial run of matches. The news will undoubtedly be a blow to the Blues’ defensive rearguard as they navigate the rigorous autumn schedule.
Badiashile’s extended absence presents a true test of the depth in the Chelsea squad, forcing Maresca to look to his alternatives to fill the significant void in the back four for the coming weeks.
The club will now focus on the player’s rigorous rehabilitation to ensure a full return to the turf ahead of the festive fixtures.