Chelsea assistant first-team coach Steve Holland has conceded that Marco van Ginkel could be set for a long period on the sidelines after suffering a knee injury in the 2-0 win over Swindon.
Van Ginkel, an £8m summer arrival from Eredivisie outfit Vitesse Arnhem, was making only his second start for the Blues after his debut against Basel last week.
But the 20-year-old’s night was cut short in the 10th minute when he collapsed to the ground in agony after appearing to twist his knee following a challenge from Swindon midfielder Alex Pritchard.
The youngster tried to continue but only lasted a few minutes before hobbling off, and Holland admitted the initial signs are not promising.
He said: "We've got an injury to Marco. It's a little bit too early to be certain, but it doesn't look good.
"He'll have a scan on Wednesday on an injury to his knee. It's too early to say (if it's a bad one) but let's hope that's not the case.”
Van Ginkel was replaced by Ramires but things then turned from bad to worse for Jose Mourinho when the Brazilian limped off at half time. The 26-year-old was being rested with Saturday’s crucial clash with Tottenham in mind, but could now miss the game.
"Ramires also had to go off with a muscular injury at the top of his hip which was causing him more discomfort as he tried to run it off. He'll be a major doubt for Saturday at Tottenham.”
