Hudson-Odoi confirms ruptured Achilles, set to miss 6-9 months

UPDATE:

Hudson-Odoi has confirmed the injury as a ruptured Achilles, putting an end to his 2018-19 season and probably keeping him out until early 2020 at least.

PREVIOUSLY:

Gianfranco Zola, taking post-match media duties from Maurizio Sarri after Monday’s disappointing, frustrating 2-2 draw against Burnley, has confirmed that Callum Hudson-Odoi’s injury is “not looking very good”. The Chelsea assistant manager also confirmed the problem as an Achilles injury, rather than a calf, ankle, or foot.

Coaches and managers tend to put a positive spin on most injury news, which makes Zola’s confirmation even more worrying. While Hudson-Odoi was able to limp off the pitch with the help of the physios, an Achilles injury can be devastating.

As the BBC’s injury expert Ben Dinnery points out, a ruptured Achilles tends to rule out players for 6-9 months, with additional recovery time expected afterwards to get back into full match fitness and confidence.

The full extent of the injury will not confirmed until tomorrow at the earliest after Hudson-Odoi can be examined by the medical team and a proper diagnosis can be made.

We can only hope the news is not the worst...