Graham Potter has confirmed Ben Chilwell will go for a scan later on Friday afternoon to find out the extent of his hamstring injury.
The England international is now expected to miss the World Cup after limping off in Wednesday's Champions League win over Dinamo Zagreb. Chilwell will be scanned later on today (Friday) and then Potter and Chelsea should know more about the severity of the problem.
"He's going for a scan later on this afternoon," Potter explained. "We'll find out then or tomorrow. He feels okay, he's aware of the injury, we need to let the swelling settle down and we'll know more after that."
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Asked if Chilwell fears the worst, Potter replied: "I wouldn't say fears the worst. Until we get the scan, it's difficult to say.
"At the moment, we are hopeful and fingers crossed. It's disappointing, of course."
There are a number of other Chelsea players who will be hoping to represent their countries at the World Cup later this month. Seeing something like that happen to Chilwell could make them fear giving it 100 per cent in matches, but this is not something Potter is concerned about.
"I don't think it's fear," the Chelsea head coach said. "I think it's part of the challenge. It is how it is. It is very difficult to play in the Premier League and then the Champions League and then go to the World Cup."
Kepa Arrizabalaga is another player currently on the sidelines for Chelsea. The Spanish goalkeeper, who has been in superb form recently for the Blues, was forced off in last weekend's humbling defeat to Brighton.
Potter was asked if he had any chance of playing before the World Cup starts, and the Chelsea boss simply said: "No. I don't think so."
The Blues head coach also said Mateo Kovacic, who has recently been struggling with a calf problem, is fit enough to feature on Sunday. However, Carney Chukwuemeka has a minor hamstring injury.
Chelsea take on Arsenal on Sunday afternoon in what is set to be Potter's biggest test as head coach yet. The Gunners sit top of the Premier League table after a sensational start to the campaign but their London rivals, Chelsea, will be hoping to dent their title hopes.
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