22-year-old Chelsea star to miss start of the season

Benoit Badiashile is expected to miss the start of next season due to a groin injury.

The 22-year-old missed the 1-0 defeat at Manchester City after pulling up in training last week and was due to undergo surgery today that could keep him out for up to four months.

Badiashile has made an encouraging start to his Chelsea career following his £35million January move from Monaco and has been targeting an important role in the team next season.

The injury to Badiashile could present an opportunity for Levi Coldwell, who is due to return to Chelsea next season after an impressive loan spell at Brighton this season.

Colwill is also a left-footed centre-back and Mauricio Pochettino is thought to have been impressed by the 20-year-old, who is expected to pushing for an England call-up next season.