Chelsea learn Ben Chilwell return date as Thomas Tuchel given January transfer incentive

Chelsea defender Ben Chilwell will be forced to spend the rest of the season on the treatment table as he continues his recovery from a serious knee injury, according to reports. The 25-year-old limped off during his side’s Champions League victory over Juventus last month and was previously expected to return to action before the end of the current campaign.

However, Chilwell is now set to undergo surgery to repair his damaged anterior cruciate ligament and will be sidelined until next season as a result, according to Goal.

It is claimed that Chelsea were initially hoping to avoid seeing their man go under the knife with the aim of easing him back into action at the turn of the year.

The club’s medical staff have since chosen to end his previous rehabiliation programme and send him for surgery, with Chilwell now targeting a summer return ahead of next season.

Thomas Tuchel revealed earlier this month that Chilwell had been taking part in some light running drills before the decision to operate on his knee was made.

“Ben continues his positive evaluation,” the German coach told reporters when quizzed on the defender’s fitness before Chelsea’s match against Everton.

“He is in a good place mentally and physically. He did some running, and everything looks good, so our hopes are still up but we cannot confirm that.”

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