Chelsea defender Benoit Badiashile will be ruled out for months rather than weeks after sustaining a hamstring injury.
The Blues defender raised the issue in training last week, ruling him out of last weekend’s clash with Manchester City.
The £33m signing from Monaco in January was widely expected to be ruled out for several weeks, ending his campaign.
However, it now appears that the injury is far worse than originally feared.
According to caretaker boss Frank Lampard, Badiashile could now be out for a longer term.
This puts his availability for the start of the pre-season in jeopardy.
He said: “It’s a blow for him and I’m really disappointed with him. He came here and impressed.
“The games before he got injured, I was very happy with him.
“The injury is unfortunate and very complicated in the hamstrings and we are talking about months rather than weeks unfortunately.
“Hopefully the weather over the summer means he doesn’t miss any games and comes back stronger.”
With Mauricio Pochettino set to be named Chelsea boss shortly, the French defender will be desperate to prove his fitness as he looks to establish himself as a key man under the Argentine.
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