Chelsea assistant drops positive injury update on Antonio Rudiger

Chelsea assistant manager Gianfranco Zola has dropped a positive injury update on Antonio Rudiger. The Germany international picked up a knee injury during the recent 2-0 league defeat at Liverpool but it appears that the concern is a minor one, and he could return for the trip to Manchester United at the end of the month.

Speaking in a press conference, Zola acknowledged that the Blues have been lucky with the defender’s injury setback and there remains a strong possibility of a comeback against United later in the month, he said: “It looks not as bad as we thought, luckily. When he came off limping, we were worried. Apparently it’s not that bad. He’s a strong boy and he’ll be back sooner than you expect. Yes, there is a strong possibility that we see him [against United]. He’s a warrior and won’t want to miss a game like that. The next few days will be very important to see if he can continue recovering.”

In the absence of Rudiger, Andreas Christensen was entrusted with the central defensive duties against Liverpool and the same was the case during the midweek Europa League quarter-final against Slavia Prague where the Blues prevailed. Nonetheless, they have conceded five goals from the two games and manager Maurizio Sarri will be hoping that Rudiger can make the earliest recovery from the injury setback.

Chelsea are currently just goal difference behind fourth-placed Arsenal in the league but they have played an extra game more. Due to this, they cannot afford any slip-ups for the rest of the season, and the Premier League clash at Old Trafford could make or break their Champions League aspirations through the league. The Blues can of course qualify for the elite competition by winning the Europa League crown this term. They are scheduled to face Eintracht Frankfurt during the semi-final stage.