Marc Cucurella faces up to three months out after undergoing surgery

Marc Cucurella was still able to raise a smile despite the Chelsea full-back undergoing surgery which is set to sideline him for as long as three months.

Cucurella was substituted during Sunday's fixture against Everton and following initial assessments, it was determined, via advice from foot and ankle specialists, that he needed to go under the knife.

The 25-year-old full-back, who is anticipated to be out until February now, confirmed his surgery on Instagram on Saturday -  although he didn't specify the exact nature of the procedure.

He was seen laying in a hospital bed with his left foot in a cast and heavily inflamed.

Despite not being part of Mauricio Pochettino's squad at the weekend, Cucurella wanted to follow the progress of his team-mates in their match against Sheffield United.

He managed to get a stream of the game but, as revealed in a photo by his partner, Cucurella was so worn out from the surgery that he was unable to stay awake to watch it.

'Time to come back stronger,' Cucurella wrote on Instagram, which included a second photo of him stood up in the corridor of the hospital on crutches.

He was flooded with messages of support from team-mates, who eagerly wished him well and promised that he would 'come back stronger'.

Team-mate Ben Chilwell, who himself is sidelined through injury, wrote: 'Back soon brother!'

Chelsea's official account added: 'We will be with you all the way, Marc.'

Reece James, who himself is facing a lengthy lay-off after sustaining another hamstring injury in the defeat at Everton, added a single blue heart to the post.

Levi Colwill, who is expected to continue at left back in the absence of Cucurella and Chilwell, posted: 'Yes hermano', with a kiss and red heart emoji.

More to follow.

Chelse