Callum Hudson-Odoi hands Chelsea an injury blow after limping off with groin problem against Burnley

CHELSEA were dealt an injury blow as Callum Hudson-Odoi limped off against Burnley. The 18-year-old was forced out of the Premier League clash with what appeared to be a groin problem. The teen lasted just 40 minutes before being replaced by Pedro. He did damage in innocuous circumstances by simply controlling the ball, but his […]

CHELSEA were dealt an injury blow as Callum Hudson-Odoi limped off against Burnley.

The 18-year-old was forced out of the Premier League clash with what appeared to be a groin problem.

Reuters

The teen lasted just 40 minutes before being replaced by Pedro.

He did damage in innocuous circumstances by simply controlling the ball, but his pain soon became apparent as he slumped to the turf.

Hudson-Odoi had just began to establish himself in the Chelsea first-team after being made to wait for his chance by Maurizio Sarri.

And he has responded with some breathtaking displays to leave both fans and team-mates desperate to see him part of the club’s starting XI for many years to come.

Chelsea defender Emerson Palmieri said in the matchday programme: “For me, Callum is the future of Chelsea.

“He has already demonstrated at this age – at 18 – that he is very strong, and he has done it at Chelsea, which is a great team.”

The Italian added: “For me, within two or three years, he will be at the top of his game.”

Chelsea will now be anxiously waiting to discover the extent of the injury as they look to secure a place in next season’s Champions League.

They still have Manchester United, Watford and Leicester to play in their final three Premier League matches as the Blues aim to seal a top four spot.

And next week they play the first leg of their Europa League semi-final away to German side Eintracht Frankfurt.

Despite not starting as much as Chelsea supporters would like, the talented teen has made 24 appearances this campaign, scoring five times.

And his displays were rewarded a month ago by England boss Gareth Southgate as he handed him an international debut in the 5-0 thrashing over Czech Republic at Wembley.

Hudson-Odoi followed that up with his second cap three days later in the 5-1 win in Montenegro and, injury permitting, looks set to feature in the Nations League for the Three Lions in June.