Chelsea dealt major injury blow as Benoit Badiashile suffers late setback
Chelsea have been dealt an enormous injury blow as Benoit Badiashile was forced off the field against Aston Villa late on during their FA Cup fourth-round clash on Wednesday night. The Frenchman came into the side in one of three changes from the 4-2 loss to Wolves on Sunday.
Badiashile had been extremely impressive alongside former Monaco defensive partner Axel Disasi until the 85th minute. He was taken off and replaced by Alfie Gilchrist for the remainder of the match with the Blues 3-0 up.
Chelsea went on to win the game 3-1 despite conceding a late goal, securing their place in the fifth round. It represents a huge boost for Mauricio Pochettino after a torrid week for the manager.
Badiashile came into the side in place of Thiago Silva, who himself has had a tough week. The 39-year-old's wife took to social media after the defeat to Wolves, appearing to call for Pochettino to be sacked.
Silva came on late in the match to help see out the game. Moises Caicedo also looked to have picked up a knock in the second half as he went down.
The Ecuadorian stayed on the floor during a Villa attack and was treated by the medical staff after Chelsea won possession back and kicked the ball out of play. He ended the game despite it looking like he was going to be substituted.
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It was the only negative on a brilliant night for Chelsea. They were able to drop Christopher Nkunku back to the bench as he continues to work towards full fitness, whilst Badiashile himself continues to come back from some breaks out of the side with injury issues.
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