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Information continues to be scarce about Ben Chilwell’s injury that forced him off just past the half hour-mark in Sunday’s Nations League match against Belgium. We know that it’s “some sort” of back problem, as per England manager Gareth Southgate, and we evidently know that it was bad enough to cause Chilwell to ask for a substitution.
“He had some sort of issue with his back that he was complaining about and he didn’t feel he could carry on. Outside of that I can’t give you any detail at the moment.”
-Gareth Southgate; source: Metro
The lack of information could be because the injury is minor and the substitution was precautionary, or it could be because back injuries can be complicated and not easily definable (see: Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s nagging back issues over the years). Or it could be both, which is what Matt Law’s report seems to be hinting at.
Little update on Ben Chilwell. His issue last night was a back spasm. Player hoping it's not a big issue and that it was brought on by the travelling but needs to see how it settles. Can't see him being involved Weds night for England. #cfc
— Matt Law (@Matt_Law_DT) November 16, 2020
Chilwell’s obviously hoping it’s not serious, and so are we. That he apparently hasn’t been sent back to Chelsea is probably a good sign, but the last thing we need is him trying to play through it for the national team.
Time to get back to Cobham, Chilly B.