Antonio Rudiger limps off for Chelsea during West Ham match but Maurizio Sarri hopeful of swift return
Gary Cahill replaced the German centre-back to make his first appearance of the season
GARY CAHILL might want to eat his words after seeing Antonio Rudiger limp off at the London Stadium.
German centre-back Rudiger left the field in the 69th minute of Chelsea's goalless draw with West Ham holding his groin and was replaced by Cahill.
The 32-year-old, who suggested he may leave Blues in January, was making his first competitive appearance under new boss Maurizio Sarri.
Rudiger has been his first-choice centre-back alongside David Luiz so far, and the Italian coach will be concerned about how long he will be out.
Speaking after the match, the Chelsea manager was hopeful it wasn't a serious injury.
Sarri said: "I think nothing serious. Three or four days but hopefully nothing more."
Chelsea face Prem leaders Liverpool on Wednesday in the League Cup and then again on Saturday in the league.
Cahill may get another opportunity at Anfield in midweek, just days after suggesting a potential move.
He said: “It's difficult. First of all the team's doing well, which is the most important thing. Having been a big part of things and played a huge part, not just a squad player, I'm definitely finding it difficult this year to deal with that situation but that is football.
“Everything gradually comes to an end or there's a new challenge around the corner. I've been here for six years and won seven titles.
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“I wore the captain's armband the majority of the season when we won the Premier League the year before last. I wore the captain's armband last year when we won the FA Cup."
But Cahill's words may see Sarri overlook him in favour of Andreas Christensen, the Danish centre-back who was popular under former boss Antonio Conte.