Chelsea provide update on injured Antonio Rüdiger | OneFootball

Chelsea assistant manager Gianfranco Zola has said Antonio Rüdiger’s injury isn’t as bad as first feared.

The centre-back limped off in the first half of Sunday’s defeat to Liverpool.

Though he will miss Thursday’s Europa League game and the weekend clash against Burnley, Chelsea are hoping to see him before the end of the month.

“It looks not as bad as we thought, luckily. When he came off limping, we were worried. Apparently it’s not that bad,” Zola told reporters at a press conference on Wednesday.

“He’s a strong boy and he’ll be back sooner than you expect.”

Chelsea are hoping to have Rüdiger available on 28 April, when they travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United.

The game is likely to be crucial in the race for a Champions League spot and the Blues are optimistic the German will be fit enough to play.

“There is a strong possibility that we see him [against United],” Zola said. “He’s a warrior and won’t want to miss a game like that. The next few days will be very important to see if he can continue recovering.

“He’s an important player for us. I saw Antonio improving in many ways – the way he handles the ball, the way he is defending – so he will be missed.”

In the meantime, Andreas Christensen will take his place.

“We have already alternated the three defenders many times,” Zola added.

“When Christensen played with Luiz, he’s done very well. He’s grown so much in security and confidence.”