Chelsea hit with fresh injury setback ahead of Liverpool clashes

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Chelsea will monitor the fitness of Antonio Rudiger over the coming days as they prepare to face Liverpool twice in a week.

The German defender was replaced by Gary Cahill in the 69th minute of Sunday’s goalless draw with West Ham after appearing to tweak his groin.

It now seems unlikely he will be available for Wednesday’s League Cup clash at Anfield, although he could return for Saturday’s first league meeting between the two sides.

Manager Maurizio Sarri played down the seriousness of the injury, setting a short time frame for the centre-back’s return.

He said, per football.london: “I don’t know. I want to speak with the doctor, but I think nothing serious. Maybe three or four days, no more.”

Jurgen Klopp – image by Liverpoolfc.com

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Rudiger’s power and athleticism proved key in thwarting the pace and movement of Liverpool’s front three in Chelsea’s 1-0 win over the Reds back in May.

The former Roma man has built himself a reputation as one of the Blues’ most accomplished defenders, restricting Cahill to a limited role since Sarri’s arrival.

Chelsea are also waiting on the fitness of Pedro as he continues his recovery from a shoulder injury sustained in the midweek Europa League win over PAOK Salonika.

The Spaniard has been instrumental over his side’s unbeaten start to the Premier League campaign and was evidently missed at the London Stadium.

Whilst Chelsea are hopeful of having the forward back by the end of the week, it may be that the matchup at Stamford Bridge comes too soon.

Sarri added: “Pedro, for us, is very important because he is the best player we have with movement without the ball. So, in this moment of the season, Pedro is a very important player.”

“We are trying to have him at the end of the week, but I don’t know at the moment.”

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