Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger is set to undergo surgery in Rome on the knee injury he sustained against Manchester United.
The centre half limped off the pitch during the second half of the Blues' 1-1 draw with United at Old Trafford on Sunday.
And now Rudiger is expected to miss the remainder of the season with an operation planned in Italy, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.
The Germany international has been a key figure in the heart of Maurizio Sarri's defence this campaign by playing in 44 matches.
Rudiger's injury will be a blow to the west London club as they enter the final stages of the season.
Chelsea are battling it out for a place in the Premier League's top four and are currently two points above Arsenal in fifth.
The Blues are also in the Europa League semi-finals and face Eintracht Frankfurt in the first leg on Thursday night.
If Sarri's side fail to stay in the final Champions League spot in the league, the European competition could provide an alternative route into the competition should they lift the trophy on May 29.
Chelsea's last two games in the top flight are against Watford at home and Leicester away.
Suzeilorsu
1
get well brother
Wendy-Alison042
1
Chelsea will now let him rest
Fewikpryz
1
get well soon my man
Handsome Mike
0
Quick recovery soldier! Such a dedicates servant he has been. Thank you Conte for giving us Rudiger!
Bir_Gorkhe
3
he is so Aggrassive, i like& he is a key player to chelsea defender & became a family & a strong bound in German squad.....Rudi bro come back soon with more strong determination....
niplmsu
1
Cahill should slot right in
I see disaster Luis along cahill
DonMustino10
2
Come back stronger Rudi our German Tank. #Hustle #AlwaysBelieve💪
Nocdekmprt
0
Get well soon, Rudi.
Pimp1926
0
Chelsea in trouble . you don't call David luiz and Christensen centre backs they position themselves like strikers
😂😂😂 as we say peep in your own bowl
Pimp1926
0
Cahill should slot right in
Cahill lack match fitness. But if he does come in It would be a good parting
dipcekmpr
0
Chelsea in trouble . you don't call David luiz and Christensen centre backs they position themselves like strikers
Non of yo business, arsenal has too many problems of their own.trying to remove a speck while having a plank in your eye.
Beickham
1
Cahill should slot right in
horse
0
Why would sarri play rudiger so soon after a knee injury? He's just indirectly telling the other reserve defenders that he doesn't trust them.
war369
0
The guy who always says sorry but keeps making mistakes game after game
CrazyBlue
0
Time for Cahill to kick Sarri on the head and get into the team!!
Eric001
2
Our rock of ages. Our caretakers Our super defender we wish you quick recovery boss, come back stronger next season...
Electrons18
2
But ur shot to Degea was powerful..
SirehPower78
1
cahilll ...your turn now...
Yapadko
1
get well our defender
voycelpsz
0
sad news
santos7
0
Chelsea in trouble . you don't call David luiz and Christensen centre backs they position themselves like strikers