Chelsea suffer injury blow BEFORE Aston Villa FA Cup clash with star defender replaced in starting XI by Alfie Gilchrist

CHELSEA were forced into a late reshuffle against Aston Villa after Levi Colwill was injured in the warm-up.

The defender, named at left-back in Friday’s starting XI, pulled up before kick-off and was spotted limping down the tunnel at Stamford Bridge.

Rex

Levi Colwill was forced out of Chelsea vs Aston Villa after suffering an injury in the warm-up[/caption]

Rex

Young ace Alfie Gilchrist was drafted into the starting XI at the last moment[/caption]

It saw Mauricio Pochettino hastily examine his Chelsea options just moments before the start of the game.

But despite having Ben Chilwell on the bench, the Blues boss instead opted to draft in highly-rated youngster Alfie Gilchrist to face Villa.

Chelsea will now be sweating over Colwill’s fitness ahead of Wednesday’s trip to Liverpool.

The 20-year-old has been a regular face in the team this season and already has 27 appearances to his name.

Colwill was a target for multiple clubs including Liverpool last summer.

But after returning from an impressive loan spell at Brighton, he opted to pen a long-term contract with Chelsea instead.

Despite being a centre-back, he has primarily featured at left-back under Pochettino.

But with Chilwell now back from injury, Colwill could find himself in his preferred position should he avoid a lengthy spell on the sideline.

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As for Gilchrist, he has made six appearances ever since getting his debut against Crystal Palace in December.

Chelsea fans are already hailing him as the new John Terry.

And Gilchrist knew he was destined to play for Chelsea, with his dad and grandad both season ticket holders.

He said in tonight’s match programme:  “My grandad and my dad used to have season tickets. They used to go all the time and my aunty used to go with them as well sometimes.

“So I obviously support Chelsea as well. I remember watching the Champions League final — the first time we won it — in my uncle’s living room. That was a good memory.

“Actually my dad had a Football Manager game, or whatever it was called back then, and before I was even born, he made a player called ‘Alfie Gilchrist’ who played for Chelsea.

“He had chosen the name and everything, and he played with that character — as me — at Chelsea. So it’s crazy how it’s come to life.”

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