Wednesday 10 February 2016 14:38, UK
Kurt Zouma has been ruled out for six months after scans revealed he suffered cruciate damage on Sunday.
The Chelsea defender left the field on a stretcher after his right knee buckled on landing during the second half of a 1-1 draw with Manchester United.
And surgery has already been scheduled after the extent of the injury was discovered.
A club statement read: "Chelsea Football Club's medical team have diagnosed that Kurt Zouma sustained an injury to his anterior cruciate ligament during yesterday's Premier League game against Manchester United.
"Kurt will undergo surgery in the next 48 hours and is expected to be out for approximately six months."
Zouma, who has started every game since Guus Hiddink returned to Stamford Bridge, tweeted: "I will come back stronger. Thank you everyone for all the messages."
It remains to be seen whether the Frenchman's long-term absence will alter the club's position on captain John Terry, who has been told there is currently no new contract offer on the table.
In the meantime Gary Cahill is likely to return to the starting XI alongside Terry for this weekend's Saturday Night Football game against Newcastle.
