England defender Ben Chilwell ruled out of World Cup
Chilwell suffered the injury in Chelsea’s 2-1 Champions League victory over Dinamo Zagreb.
![LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 02: Chelsea's Ben Chilwell sustains an injury during the UEFA Champions League group E match between Chelsea FC and Dinamo Zagreb at Stamford Bridge on November 2, 2022 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Luka Stanzl/MB Media/Getty Images)](https://img.asmedia.epimg.net/resizer/v2/KNHNUOO3ZMLWUONMLNQNB35LEA.jpg?auth=ce72ec8ad2c724de11cc76a8242d0dbec82d1a33da8bc1aeaf1400f190baa90c&width=360&height=203&smart=true)
Ben Chilwell will miss the 2022 World Cup with England due to a “significant” hamstring injury.
The left-back suffered the injury in Chelsea’s 2-1 Champions League win over Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday.
The former Leicester City player, who has played 17 times for England, was a part of the squad that reached the European Championship final in 2021.
Chilwell confirms World Cup absence
Chilwell confirmed the news on his social media channels on Saturday: “Following my ACL injury I worked so hard to make sure I was ready for the World Cup. It has always been a dream of mine. Unfortunately, this won’t be possible following my scan results. I’ll do all I can to get back playing for Chelsea ASAP. Thanks for the messages of support.”
Chelsea’s statement
Chelsea released a statement on Saturday: “Following the injury sustained in our recent game against Dinamo Zagreb, Ben has undergone a scan on his hamstring.
“Results show that Ben has suffered a significant injury and the defender is unfortunately expected to miss the World Cup.
“Ben will now begin a rehabilitation programme with the club’s medical department.”
Blow for Southgate ahead of World Cup
Chilwell’s news is a major blow to Gareth Southgate ahead of the tournament in Qatar later this month. Chelsea defender Reece James remains a doubt for the tournament, while question marks remain over Manchester City pair Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips.
The England boss is set to name his final 26-man squad for the tournament on Thursday 10 November.