Ben Chilwell, Reece James: Why Chelsea’s Season Is Technically Over After Injuries to Key Graham Potter’s Men

• Injuries to Chelsea's wingbacks have revived memories of last year when Thomas Tuchel lost both of them to serious injuries
• Tuchel struggled without the duo and after recent events, it is now apparent that Chelsea is in the same conundrum all over again
• Chelsea's only remaining fit and dependable defender is 37-year-old Thiago Silva, with Kalidou Koulibaly still struggling to adapt to Premier League life

Any Chelsea fan who watched Ben Chilwell clutch at his hamstring towards the end of their tie against Dinamo Zagreb, felt like it was deja vu all over again.

Chilwell had successfully recovered from an anterior cruciate ligament injury that he suffered last year against Juventus. That, coupled with Reece James' knee injury a few days ago, spells doom for Graham Potter - in more ways than one.

The instant repercussion will be for Gareth Southgate, who will almost certainly have to do without two dependable fullbacks at the World Cup. Southgate can survive however, given the embarrassment of riches the Three Lions has in those positions.

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Potter, on the other hand, can't. His predecessor Thomas Tuchel faced a similar problem last year. Tuchel lost both his fullbacks in quick succession and despite a stellar start to the campaign, his side quickly fell off the pace.

Tuchel improvised by using the off-colour Saul Niguez and Ruben Loftus-Cheek as wingbacks.

Tuchel attempted to solve problems

The Blues tried to address this problem this summer by bringing in Marc Cucurella from Brighton at a ridiculous fee. Ridiculous, because the Barcelona academy graduate had just had one decent season in the English top flight and an excess fee of 60 million euros did not make sense.

The Spanish defender appeared to live up to his hefty price tag until his former manager took over. He is yet to convince fully in recent weeks, and has often been left on the bench in favour of Chilwell or hooked off early.

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James started the season in dominant fashion. He was the only consistent performer alongside Thiago Silva during Tuchel's last days. He carried on the same performance under Potter, before the knee injury against AC Milan put him down.

Sterling as wingback won't work

Like Tuchel, Potter has had to improvise. The soft-spoken coach has deployed Raheem Sterling and Christian Pulisic as wingbacks - a ploy that has failed miserably.

As it stands, Chelsea only has Cesar Azpilicueta and Marc Cucurella as the only natural wingbacks in Potter's preferred 3-4-3 formation. Loftus-Cheek has grown used to the role and might cover it as well.

Of all these options, no one brings to the table what James and Chilwell bring. Azpilicueta, despite being a long-term and diligent servant to the club, has fallen off the pace and cannot be relied on to perform consistently.

Is Silva the only option?

To make matters worse, Kalidou Koulibaly is yet to adjust to playing in a back three.

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The Senegalese is yet to adjust to life in England. Add the Wesley Fofana potential long-term injury as well and Chelsea are technically a Thiago Silva injury away from disaster. Now it makes sense why Tuchel wanted at least three new centre-backs.

A good coach is supposed to come up with solutions. Potter's greatest asset so far has been his flexibility, but his mettle will be tested.

The only thing working in his favour is the World Cup break between, which might give James and Chilwell a chance to recover. Then maybe the January window will allow the Blues to get in some reinforcements.

But before that, he has a London derby, a date with the Premier League champions, and the threatening impressive contenders for the top-four bracket.

Baptism by fire, if you ask me.

What happened to Ben Chilwell?

Sports Brief had earlier reported that Chelsea and England suffered a huge blow after Ben Chilwell had to be helped out of the pitch, after picking up a hamstring injury.

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Chilwell was in action for Chelsea in their match against Dinamo Zagreb on November 2 at Stamford Bridge, when he went down at the end of the game clutching his hamstring.

As he was helped off by Chelsea staff, the England star shed tears with the World Cup only a few weeks away.