Chelsea: Benoit Badiashile is ruled out for 'an extended period' with a hamstring injury

Chelsea defender Benoit Badiashile is facing a long spell on the sidelines for the Blues after it was confirmed he had picked up a hamstring injury.

The Frenchman joined the Stamford Bridge club as part of Todd Boehly's January splurge of more than £300million, arriving from Monaco.

As part of that mass influx of bodies, Badiashile had appeared one of the more successful signings, only losing twice in his 11 appearances at the club since being signed from the French club for £33m.

His season has now been cut short, though, and after having missed the Manchester City clash on Sunday, will definitely be on the sidelines for next weekend's clash with Newcastle.

The Blues released a statement on Tuesday, which read: 'Benoit Badiashile has sustained a hamstring injury which will rule the defender out for an extended period.

'The 22-year-old underwent assessment with specialists earlier this week and Benoit will now begin a rehabilitation programme with the club’s medical department.'

He had been assessed by the club's specialists, with concerns that he might require surgery for the issue.

Mail Sport reported on Monday that the player was now at risk of losing his place in Mauricio Pochettino's plans for the start of next season.

The Argentine boss is expected to take control of the Blues next term, with an announcement of his appointment thought to be due at the end of the current campaign.

As a result, Levi Colwill - on loan at Brighton this season - could stand to benefit with a place in the squad early in the 2023-24 campaign.

Frank Lampard's side currently have Thiago Silva, Wesley Fofana, Kalidou Koulibaly and Trevoh Chalobah among their alternative central defensive options.

However, Koulibaly's future remains uncertain, while there is interest in Fofana's services and Silva will turn 39 in September.

Badiashile joins fellow defenders Ben Chilwell, Reece James and Marc Cucurella on the sidelines, with midfielders N'Golo Kante and Mason Mount and forward Armando Broja.

Badiashile missed Chelsea's 1-0 defeat at champions Manchester City on Sunday and was one of 10 players Lampard was without at the Etihad.

Mount was also absent but the west London side hope he will be able to feature before the end of the season after having a minor operation last month on a persisting abdominal injury.

The England midfielder has missed Chelsea's last five games, last appearing as a second-half substitute in their Champions League quarter-final second leg defeat against Real Madrid.

Chelsea will be in action twice in the final week of the campaign, taking on Manchester United at Old Trafford on Thursday before welcoming Newcastle to the Bridge on Sunday.