Chilwell back in training with England despite back injury

Ben Chilwell hobbled off the pitch holding his back after just a half an hour a couple days ago, but he’s back in training with England today instead of being back recovering at Cobham and ensuring that he’s good to go for the weekend’s match (Newcastle, away) and for the four months of wall-to-wall games (coronavirus permitting) beyond.

Chilwell’s injury was described as “just” a “back spasm” brought on by “excessive traveling” (all the way to ... Belgium!), but it was severe enough to stop him from playing on Sunday. News has been scarce ever since, and even now, England manager Gareth Southgate isn’t giving out much useful information.

“We will keep checking on Ben Chilwell as he keeps having treatment on a back issue from the other day. But everyone else has no problem.”

The obvious move would be for Chelsea to put our foot down and bring Chilly back home if there is any question at all about his fitness — and clearly there is — even if that might go against his own wishes. England don’t need him against the worst team in their Nations League group, Iceland. We do. Need him. Very much.

In fact, England have already lost out of the top spot in the group (with the 2-0 loss on Sunday), making Wednesday’s match literally meaningless. Of course, Southgate is playing the patriotic card, which is his prerogative but it is a dirty trick to pull here, especially with injury and coronavirus concerns.

“We will find out a lot now because for sure there will be pressure from some clubs on their own players. That is what we live with constantly but we have players who want to play for England and we have pride in the way we play and we want to finish well.”

-Gareth Southgate; source: Metro

Yeah, no.