Chelsea and England defender Ben Chilwell is expected to miss this month's World Cup in Qatar with a "significant" hamstring injury, his club have announced.
The left-back, 25, sustained the injury during the Blues' 2-1 Champions League win over Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday.
A statement from the club on Saturday said: "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."
Chilwell, who was a part of England's Euro 2020 squad, missed a chunk of last season due to a ruptured cruciate ligament but had returned to Chelsea's first team fold this season with 13 appearances in all competitions.
The news comes as another blow to England with the team also set to miss the services of Chelsea's Reece James, who was ruled out for eight weeks due to a knee injury he picked up in their game against AC Milan.
England are also sweating on the fitness of Manchester City duo Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips. Gareth Southgate's team kick off their World Cup campaign against Iran on November 21.
Southgate will name his England squad for the World Cup on Thursday.
Injured players ahead of Qatar World Cup 2022
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England right back Reece James still has hopes of playing in the Fifa World Cup 2022 in Qatar next month despite being in the early stages of his recovery from a knee injury. EPA -
Manchester United's French defender Raphael Varane won’t play for his club before the Fifa World Cup 2022 after sustaining a hamstring injury but still has hopes of playing in Qatar. AFP -
N'Golo Kante, centre, of France suffered a setback in his rehabilitation from a hamstring injury. He will be sidelined for four months after undergoing surgery. EPA -
Brazil and Spurs striker Richarlison suffered a calf injury earlier this month. He spoke of his “dream” of representing his country at the World Cup potentially being over. But he is more hopeful now, with the injury not as serious as thought. AP -
Portugal's forward Diogo Jota will miss the World Cup due to a calf injury sustained in Liverpool's win over Manchester City. AFP -
Sweden striker Alexander Isak striker has suffered a setback while recovering from a thigh injury. EPA -
Sevilla winger Jesus Corona will not recover from his ankle injury in time to play for Mexico at the World Cup, the club's coach Jorge Sampaoli has said. AFP -
Portugal's Pedro Neto will undergo surgery on an ankle injury sustained while playing for Wolves against West Ham United. PA -
Roma coach Jose Mourinho said Argentina forward Paulo Dybala had suffered a "very bad' injury when he tweaked a thigh muscle while converting a penalty against Lecce. PA -
France's midfielder Boubacar Kamara suffered a knee ligament injury in September that will keep him out until after the World Cup. AFP -
Kyle Walker of England had successful groin surgery in early October. The 32-year-old said he is confident of fully recovering in time to make the trip to Qatar. Getty -
Brazil's Arthur Melo picked up a muscle injury in the build-up to Liverpool's Champions League clash with Rangers in October. AFP -
Uruguay's Ronald Araujo went for thigh surgery in late September, saying he made the choice to go under the knife to return fully fit "as soon as possible". AFP -
England and Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips has been sidelined due to a shoulder problem but could return before the Qatar World Cup. PA -
France's midfielder Paul Pogba underwent surgery after he damaged his meniscus in training following his transfer back to Juventus. However, he has returned to training. AFP -
Argentina's Juventus winger Angel Di Maria is out until early November due to a hamstring injury which the club says will need around three weeks to heal. AP -
Romelu Lukaku has sustained another hamstring injury in a major concern for Belgium. Getty -
Germany forward Timo Werner will miss the World Cup because of a torn ankle ligament. EPA -
England and Chelsea player Ben Chilwell suffered a hamstring injury during the Champions League match against Dinamo Zagreb at Stamford Bridge on November 2, 2022. Getty
