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England boss Southgate gives an update on injured Chelsea star

Ben Chilwell, Chelsea
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England manager Southgate has issued an injury update on Chelsea’s Chilwell after he limped off against Belgium.

Gareth Southgate revealed Ben Chilwell struggled with a back issue in England’s 2-0 defeat to Belgium on Sunday, but couldn’t say whether the Chelsea full-back is facing a spell on the sidelines or not.

Chilwell won his 11th cap for England on Sunday night by making Southgate’s starting line-up. Otherwise, it was a pretty low-key outing that ended after only 38 minutes when he came off for Bukayo Saka.

The former Leicester City man was seen clutching his back as he vacated the field, leaving England and Chelsea fans with an anxious wait for updates.

“He had some sort of issue with his back that he was complaining about and he didn’t feel he could carry on,” Southgate is quoted by the Metro.

“Outside of that, I can’t give you any detail at the moment.”

A potential layoff for Chilwell would affect Chelsea the most ahead of a jam-packed winter schedule. The 23-year-old has already spent time sidelined with a foot injury this season, and will be keen to avoid a repeat already.

Frank Lampard’s side will take a trip to Newcastle United in the Premier League for their first game back from the international break in the upcoming weekend.

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