Chelsea have conceded that Ruben Loftus-Cheek may need to spend some time on the sidelines after the midfielder's back problems reemerged during Saturday's victory over Nottingham Forest.
Two goals from Alvaro Morata saw the Blues book their place in the fourth round but the win was dampened somewhat by Loftus-Cheek's injury.
The 22-year-old was forced to exit the game in tears minutes before half-time after his back trouble flared up at Stamford Bridge.
And coach Carlo Cudicini has admitted the setback may rule the player out of action until a solution to his ongoing back issues can be found.
'We are very sorry for the kid,' Cudicini told reporters following the game.
'It is a pity.It is something that's affecting him, something we need to look at and resolve.
'It has been going on for a while and maybe he might have to stop for a bit to resolve. It is a pity because he is doing very well.'
It is the latest blow in a frustrating campaign for Loftus-Cheek, who has started just three of the club's 21 Premier League matches.
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The problem with RLC is he is 6"2, moves like he's 5"8, that puts a lot of strain on his back...he's way too young to have a recurring. Back problem....the physios have to train the way he runs, similar to how robben ha; to retrain how to run to ease his knees.