Chelsea defender Benoit Badiashile 'could be out for FOUR MONTHS' after picking up a groin injury

Chelsea have been dealt an injury blow after Benoit Badiashile's groin injury turned out to be worse than initially feared.

The defender has been a rare positive for the Blues since signing in January and has already played 11 Premier League games.

He was left out for their 1-0 loss to Man City at the weekend after picking up a groin injury, and it now looks as though the France international could miss the start of next season.

According to reports in the Evening Standard, Badiashile 'could be out for four months' and will have to undergo surgery.

It will come as a blow for Mauricio Pochettino, who is expected to be appointed as Chelsea manager in the coming weeks, as Basiahsile was a big part of his plans going forward.

At just 22, he has already shown promise at Stamford Bridge and scored his first Premier League goal in the Blues' win over Bournemouth earlier this month.

The injury may open up a space for Levi Colwill, who has shone on loan at Brighton this season and is due back at Chelsea this summer.

There may not have been room for both players in Chelsea's bloated squad, as both fufill similar roles as left-footed centre backs.

However, the Standard report that Pochettino has been impressed by Colwill, and Badisahile's absence at the start of Chelsea's next Premier League campaign may give him an oppurtunity.

Whatever the injury situation, the Blues will be keen to re-build their squad as soon as possible after a torrid season.

They sit 12th in the table with two tough games left against Manchester United and Newcastle, and only three teams have scored less league goals than them this season.

Reflecting on this season and how his young squad can improve going forward after the Blues' 1-0 loss to Man City on Sunday, caretaker boss Frank Lampard said: 'Manchester City have not won three [Premier League titles] in a row through half intensity. They have had to work and work and work. The players have to understand that.

'They have to take personal responsibility and say: "I want to be [Erling] Haaland or [Kevin] De Bruyne, I have to put in the work they have."

'It is something they have to strive towards. It is in their hands. I can't say that how long it will take.

'It is down to the players and the direction of the club. This Premier League is getting tougher.'