BEN CHILWELL is OUT of the World Cup for England after the Chelsea star picked up a hamstring injury in the Champions League.
The wing-back looked in a lot of discomfort as he limped off the pitch against Dinamo Zagreb.
And now it has been revealed exclusively by the Sun that Chilwell will miss the World Cup.
He is also set to miss a large chunk of the season for Chelsea as the defender suffers yet another injury setback.
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Stay up to date with all the latest from around the grounds…
- Sam Dymond
Howe favourite for managerial award
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is favourite to pick up the October Manager of the Month award after leading his team to five wins and a draw.
The former Bournemouth manager saw his side strike 16 goals in the month, firing five against Brentford and four in the wings over Aston Villa and Fulham.
The Premier League's top two bosses – Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola – have also been shortlisted.
Arteta led Arsenal to four wins and a draw from their five Premier League matches in the month, while Guardiola and City won four of their five games, but also lost to Liverpool.
- Sam Dymond
Chilwell out of World Cup
Ben Chilwell is almost certain to miss the World Cup – and is set to be out for a large chunk of the season.
The Chelsea and England left back is undergoing scans on the injury which he picked up in the final moments of his club's 2-1 Champions League win on Wednesday.
Stricken Chilwell is being sent off for scans on his crocked left leg but there is a suspicion he may have torn the hamstring muscle which is more serious than a routine pull.
The player even told pals he heard a 'pop' as he felt pain in his leg while chasing for the ball in the dying moments of the Group E game at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea boss Graham Potter revealed immediately after the match that the outlook for Chilwell's hopes of making the 26-man England squad for the World Cup later this month are grim.
Potter said: "When a player pulls up like that it is never positive."
- Sam Dymond
Kebano no! Neeskens ruptures Achilles
Fulham winger Neeskens Kebano faces several months out after rupturing his Achilles in training.
The 30-year-old has impressed since the Cottagers returned to the Premier League, weighing in with three assists so far this campaign.
The London club announced this afternoon that the popular Congolese international sustained the injury earlier this week, and will now undergo specialist consultation.
Manager Marco Silva has only recently welcomed back Harry Wilson from a long-term injury while summer signing Manor Soloman remains out.
- Sam Dymond
Contract negotiations ‘in good place’
Mikel Arteta is not worried by the lack of official announcement when it comes to new contracts for his young stars.
Recent reports have revealed that Arsenal are keen to tie down Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and William Saliba for the long term.
The Gunners boss remains cool, however, and insists that these things take time.
“The contract has to be signed when all parties are happy, are committed and are determined to do that,” the Spaniard told the media.
“And the timing sometimes is determined by moments, by feelings, by individual circumstances and you have to put all that together and make it happen. But we are in a good place.”
- Sam Dymond
Conte fancies Kante at Spurs
Antonio Conte is a big admirer of Chelsea's N'Golo Kante, and would like to bring the Frenchman to Tottenham next summer.
The 31-year-old looks set to depart Stamford Bridge when his contract expires in June, and Spurs are readying an offer, according to The Express.
The Lilywhites are likely to face competition from some of Europe's big hitters including Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona.
However, Kante has previously indicated a desire to remain in London, putting Conte in pole position to land his man.
- Sam Dymond
Hull appoint former ace Rosenior
Hull City have appointed their former player Liam Rosenior as the club's new head coach.
The 38-year-old has signed a two-and-a-half year deal with the Championship club, replacing sacked boss Shota Arveladze.
Rosenior spent five seasons with the Tigers as a player, helping the club to promotion to the Premier League in 2013.
The new Hull supremo began the season in interim charge of Derby in League One, but was moved on following the arrival at Pride Park of Paul Warne.
- Sam Dymond
Newcastle trio shortlisted for award
Three Newcastle players have been nominated for the Premier League's Player of the Month award for October.
Miguel Almiron, Kieran Trippier and Bruno Guimaraes have all been shortlisted for their exploits during a month in which the Toon won five and drew one of six games.
The trio are nominated alongside Arsenal's rejuvenated Granit Xhaka, Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga, Brighton’s Leandro Trossard, and Manchester City duo Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne.
- Sam Dymond
Chelsea target Kvarat is gold
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has emerged as a transfer target for Chelsea and Liverpool – but the Napoli ace could cost up to €100m.
The Evening Standard report that the Premier League pair are looking at the 21-year-old winger, who has earned rave reviews in Naples.
The Serie A club only paid £8.6m for the Georgian ace in July, but after eight goals and ten assists in 17 appearances, he is now being valued at ten times the price.
Kvaratskhelia’s agent Christian Emile told Fabrizio Romano: “He’s come to Napoli, he’s been brilliant, and people are talking about €100m.
“If he continues to perform like this till the end of the season and next season – because there’s a zero per cent chance they sell him [in January] – he will reach €100m, for sure.”
- Sam Dymond
Fab four that Reds could face
Liverpool signed off from their Champions League group stage campaign with a home win over table toppers Napoli, but were unable to usurp the Serie A outfit from the summit.
As a result, the Reds qualify for the the knockout section as the second-placed team in Group A.
With Jurgen Klopp's team unable to face another English side in the Round of 16 – nor Napoli – there are only four possible options for the Anfield club.
They include Portuguese pair Porto and Benfica, reigning holders Real Madrid – who beat Liverpool in last year's final – and Sadio Mane's Bayern Munich.
- Porto
- Benfica
- Real Madrid
- Bayern Munich
- Sam Dymond
David only interested in United
David de Gea is not interested in talking to other clubs as he waits for a new contract to be tabled by Manchester United.
The Spanish goalkeeper’s current deal comes to an end in the summer, but the club do hold the option of triggering a 12-month extension.
There are concerns within Old Trafford that De Gea’s reported £375,000-per-week wages are taking up too much of the club’s budget.
However, De Gea is desperate to stay with the Red Devils even if it means taking a pay cut.
- Sam Dymond
Pep: Rico has 'something special'
Pep Guardiola paid tribute to teenage sensation Rico Lewis after the full-back set a new Champions League record.
At 17 years, 346 days, the Manchester City youngster became the youngest player to score on his Champions League debut as his side came from behind to beat Sevilla 2-1.
Rico's goal beat the previous record by six days, set 17 years ago by a fresh-faced Karim Benzema.
Afterwards, Guardiola revealed that Lewis had earned his opportunity.
"We don't give presents here, you have to earn it. We have seen him since day one in pre-season and I said 'this guy has something special'.
"He’s so clever, so intelligent. If you say something, he understands everything. I'm so happy."
- Sam Dymond
Spurs set for knockout stage
Tottenham fans may still be recovering from their dramatic night in the south of France on Tuesday, but are already considering who awaits them next in the Round of 16.
Spurs late 2-1 victory at Marseille ensured that the Londoners progressed as the winners of Group D.
Earlier in the evening, Antonio Conte's team appeared to be heading out of the competition when a goal down.
However, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg's stoppage time strike took them to the top of the table, meaning that a group runner-up await them in the February.
The list of potential opponents does include Paris Saint-Germain after Messi, Mbappe, Neymar and co. were bumped down to second spot by Benfica's heroics.
- Paris Saint-Germain
- Club Brugge
- RB Leipzig
- Borussia Dortmund
- Inter Milan
- AC Milan
Arteta dismisses new Barca link
Mikel Arteta has rubbished talk that suggested he might sensationally quit Arsenal and replace Xavi at Barcelona.
Pressure has been mounting on the head of the Barca boss following another exit from the group stages of the Champions League.
And reports earlier this week suggested he may even be sacked by the club and replaced by Arteta.
However, Arteta has come out to rubbish those rumours.
Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s clash with FC Zurich, Arteta said: “No [I don’t make anything of it]. What I can say is I’m extremely happy and proud to be where I am.
“I think Barcelona are in a really good path and [have] a phenomenal coach that has been an absolute legend in that club and has lifted the whole place and you have to be respectful of that.”
Rapper Stormzy launches Merky FC
Stormzy has teamed up with Adidas to improve diversity representation within the game of football.
The British rapper has launched Merky FC, and will tackle the lack of diversity off the pitch by providing access to a host of multi-year, paid professional placement and opportunities across the industry.
The initiative's promotional video sees Stormzy state: "Enough! On the pitch, we do our thing.
"But off the pitch? It's like we don't exist. That's all about to change. Welcome to Merky FC, the project I've created with Adidas to give young black people opportunities in the beautiful game. The time is now."
Seagulls swoop for wonderkid Buonanotte
Brighton have announced the signing of Facundo Buonanotte signing from Rosario Central.
The 17-year-old attacking midfielder will join the Premier League club in January after agreeing to a permanent deal.
Brighton technical director David Weir admitted that Buonanotte is a player that they had been 'watching for a while', and new manager Roberto de Zerbi is also said to have approved the deal.
The Argentine U20 international has agreed on a contract until 2026 with the Seagulls holding the option of a further year.
- Dylan Terry
Good morning footy fans!
Ben Chilwell limped off during Chelsea’s 2-1 win over Dinamo Zagreb.
The England defender appeared to pull his hamstring chasing a ball in stoppage time and though he got to his feet and played the final seconds of the match, he had to be carried across to the tunnel at the full-time whistle.
It is a big concern for Gareth Southgate ahead of the World Cup which is only weeks away.
But there is good news for Bukayo Saka however with the winger back in training.
Arsenal had concerns over the England star after he was forced off with injury against Nottingham Forest on Sunday. Mikel Arteta confirmed he could play against Zurich today and Saka shared a photo on social media which showed he is in good spirits.
In transfer news, Liverpool are reportedly prepared to go all in for Jude Bellingham next summer but it may not be enough to secure the England international’s signature.
According to German outlet Bild, Reds boss Jurgen Klopp has made it clear he would fully back a big-money move for Bellingham.
But it is claimed that Liverpool’s owners have only set aside around £86m for Bellingham.
This is unlikely to be enough to sign the midfielder, with Dortmund reportedly seeking £129m for the England star.
- Kealan Hughes
Potter provides Chilwell injury update
Graham Potter is concerned by Ben Chilwell's injury after the defender pulled up with a hamstring problem against Dinamo Zagreb.
Chilwell suffered the injury in added time and Chelsea boss Potter said the signs are not positive.
Potter said: "Yeah not great. Obviously when he pulls up it's a concern so we need to scan it but it's not positive at the moment.
"It's a blow for us on anotherwise positive evening.
"To see him pull up like that it's not a great sign so fingers crossed that when we get it scanned it isn't as bad. But clearly we're disappointed."
- Kealan Hughes
England dealt fresh injury blow
Ben Chilwell limped off during Chelsea's 2-1 win over Dinamo Zagreb.
The England defender appeared to pull his hamstring chasing a ball in stoppage time and though he got to his feet and played the final seconds of the match, he had to be carried across to the tunnel at the full-time whistle.
It is a big concern for Gareth Southgate ahead of the World Cup which is only weeks away.
- Kealan Hughes
Chelsea through as group winners
Chelsea finished their Champions League group-stage campaign on a high as they beat Dinamo Zagreb 2-1 at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues fell behind early on before England international Raheem Sterling equalised.
Dennis Zakaria then scored on his debut in the 30th minute and Graham Potter's side held onto the win to secure top place in the group.
- Kealan Hughes
Palace not hopeful of Zaha stay
Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha has been verbally offered a lucrative deal by the Eagles but the club feel that their hopes of keeping hold of the winger are fading, according to the Daily Mail.
A written offer is yet to be tabled by the Premier League club though and the chances of him signing the new deal before the end of the year look slim.
Arsenal and Liverpool have been linked tot he 29-year-old.
- Kealan Hughes
Chelsea target pulls off surprise
Christopher Nkunku blew up a balloon to celebrate bursting Shakhtar Donetsk's bubble – in one of the strangest ever goal celebrations.
The RB Leipzig attacker showed why he's expected to join Chelsea with the opening goal in a 4-0 Champions League win.
And to add to his silky footwork he had another trick in his boots – as he pulled out a red balloon from his sock.
He inflated it as team-mates mobbed him by the corner flag, then held it in his teeth and put his arms out wide to complete the pose.
Fans were baffled as well as amused by Nkunku's antics.
- Kealan Hughes
Tottenham receive big injury blow
Tottenham ace Son Heung-Min is facing a race against time to be fit for the World Cup after it was revealed he will undergo surgery.
Son was forced off against Marseille following a collision with defender Chancel Mbemba.
Son could even be a doubt for the World Cup after Tottenham confirmed he sustained a fracture around his left eye.
A statement on their site read: "We can confirm that Heung-Min Son will undergo surgery to stabilise a fracture around his left eye.
"Following surgery, Son will commence rehabilitation with our medical staff and we shall update supporters further in due course."
It means the South Korean will almost definitely be out of Sunday's clash against Liverpool.
- Kealan Hughes
Werner doubt for World Cup
Timo Werner limped off for RB Leipzig just three weeks before Germany’s World Cup opener.
The on-loan Chelsea striker lasted just 17 minutes of Wednesday night's 4-0 Champions League romp at Shakhtar Donetsk.
Werner fell to the ground under no pressure after delivering an innocuous pass and signalled he was unable to play on.
But the 26-year-old walked off unaided, with Emil Forsberg coming on to replace him.
- Kealan Hughes
Milan enter race for Jorginho
AC Milan have reportedly entered the race to sign Chelsea star Jorginho next summer.
Jorginho is free to leave the club when if his contract is not renewed by next summer.
Barcelona have been an interested party for some time now.
However, despite Barcelona's long-term interest in the Italian who has reportedly already made a transfer commitment to them, they are no longer the only ones with an interest.
According to Spanish outlet Sport, Serie A champions Milan are best-positioned alongside Barcelona to sign the 30-year-old.
They report the two clubs have "taken the lead" and made "important moves" to push a deal through.
- Kealan Hughes
Clinton Morrison questions Sterling doubters
Clinton Morrison has questioned why Graham Potter is playing Raheem Sterling as a wing-back.
He said: "Why for the life of me would you play him at left wing-back.
"At the start of the season when Chelsea weren't playing well he was their best player.
"So why don't you play him in the position where he can cause problems, where he was scoring all these goals for Manchester City and England.
"Another thing, and it annoys me, I hear people saying 'because he's not in good form, should he go to the World Cup?', oh my word.
"Play him in his better position and then if he doesn't deliver, then you can start moaning about him."
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