Ben Chilwell reacts to ‘shattered’ World Cup dream

Chelsea defender Ben Chilwell has admitted that playing for England at the World Cup ‘had always been a dream’ after it was confirmed that he’ll miss the 2022 tournament in Qatar through injury.

The 25-year-old hobbled off with a hamstring problem towards the end of Chelsea’s Champions League clash with Dinamo Zagreb, leaving his World Cup dreams hanging by a thread.

A scan has since revealed that the injury is ‘significant’ and Chilwell could miss as much as three months of action while he recovers.

It’s another devastating blow for Chilwell, who has already spent a significant period of time sidelined because of an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Taking to social media after Chelsea confirmed his injury status, Chilwell posted: “Following my ACL injury I worked so hard to make sure I was ready for the World Cup. It has always been a dream of mine.

“Unfortunately, this won’t be possible following my scan results. I’ll do all I can to get back playing for Chelsea ASAP. Thanks for the messages of support.”

Following my ACL injury I worked so hard to make sure I was ready for the World Cup. It has always been a dream of mine. Unfortunately, this won’t be possible following my scan results. I’ll do all I can to get back playing for Chelsea ASAP. Thanks for the messages of support 💙 pic.twitter.com/2H01Whhfhn

— Ben Chilwell (@BenChilwell) November 5, 2022

Teammate Reece James is another player fighting to be fit for the World Cup, and 90min understands that he’s likely to be picked by Gareth Southgate if his recovery suggests he’ll be ready for the latter stages of the tournament.