Chelsea handed Ben Chilwell boost ahead of Man Utd clash as reason for Brentford absence revealed

Chelsea head coach Graham Potter has explained why Ben Chilwell was not involved in the matchday squad to face Brentford on Wednesday night in the Premier League. 

Chilwell, 25, was not included among the starting XI or bench at the Gtech Community Stadium which increased fears of a potential injury. 

However, the England international was in attendance and did travel with his teammates for the London derby ahead of the Premier League fixture. 

Graham Potter confirmed Chilwell’s omission was down to managing his workload after his return from an ACL injury this season. 

The 25-year-old has made seven Premier League appearances this term, scoring one and assisting two, which he hopes will boost his chances of making the England World Cup squad for Qatar next month. 

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Prior to the London derby, Potter told Chelsea TV there was no need to be concerned about Chilwell missing out on Wednesday evening.

He said: “No reason there, it's about workload. He has just come back from an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

"We have to manage him and his situation."

Chelsea went on to draw the game against Thomas Frank’s side. They were held to a 0-0 draw and had Kepa Arrizabalaga to thank once again after several excellent saves to keep out Ivan Toney and the Bees’ attack. 

Chilwell is likely to be back involved on Saturday when Manchester United make the trip down south to Stamford Bridge. 

One player who Chelsea will hope is available is Conor Gallagher.

The 23-year-old was forced off in the opening 15 minutes due to illness and Potter is keeping his fingers crossed that the midfielder will make a quick recovery. 

READ MORE: Why Chelsea were not happy at full-time after their goalless Premier League draw vs Brentford

The 47-year-old told reporters post-match: “I haven't spoken to the doctor, but he just felt ill. He felt like he was going to be sick. 

“You could probably see that in his first 15 minutes, he wasn't quite himself, so hopefully, it's just a 24-hour thing, and he will be okay. Obviously, that probably affected him and us a little bit, but hopefully, he recovers quickly.”