This is Joe Cole.

This is Ruben of this cheek and you want to listen into the London Blue Podcast.

Alright, Chelsea fans, welcome back to another episode of London's Blue Podcast and you know what we've got going on today?

Post-boxing day.

But before the end of 2021, we had to sneak in one last special Nick with one of the best in the business, maybe the best in the business.

Matt Law. Welcome back, Matt. Welcome back from the Christmas period. How are you?

Hi, Danny. Yeah, yeah, you're too kind.

Not necessarily strictly accurate either, but I'll take it.

Good, good, had a good rest.

Kind of good rest. I've been trying to take it easy last few days.

And then, yeah, pick it up, pick it properly back up.

While we're talking Tuesday, set tomorrow for the Brighton game, but I'm doing bits and bobs in between.

Yep, more of those bits and bobs. Unfortunately, we're going to start with some breaking news, Matt.

And looks like Ben Chilwell is going to have to have kind of a full ACL surgery situation happening, which will, you know, kind of effectively rule him out for the rest of the 21-22 season.

Thoughts, feelings, any news that's come across?

Yeah, I mean, look, it's worse fears confirmed to be honest with you.

When I first reported it back in November that it didn't the ACL and that he was out for the remainder of the year.

I was actually told at that stage that it was probably 80% certain he would require surgery.

Now, weirdly, in the last couple of weeks, the noises have been a little bit more optimistic.

I know Ben himself was feeling, other than having COVID was feeling quite good and really hopeful that maybe he might avoid surgery.

But sadly, it's gone the other way and I don't want to be overly negative for you guys, but I would be surprised if he's available to start the start of next season.

Yeah, I've spoken to somebody in the last hour who puts his return somewhere around August, which makes it very unlikely he's starting games in August when you, when you look at these things go at the very best.

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