Ben Chilwell defender feels positive after successful knee surgery

The 25-year-old sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury during the second half of Blues' 4-0 Champions League victory over

at Stamford Bridge.

The England international may miss the remainder of the season for

, but his ligament repair procedure has provided a welcome boost.

posted on

on Thursday

: "Just wanted to let everyone know that the operation yesterday was successful.

"I feel very positive & motivated to work like a beast to get back on the pitch with my boys soon and help this great club win more trophies.

"Thank you all for the support and nice messages."

In Chilwell's absence,

has stepped in at left-back, although

Thomas Tuchel

is still short of reinforcement in that position.

While

defender

has been linked with a January transfer to Stamford Bridge, Chelsea coach Thomas Tuchel may recall either

or

Emerson Palmieri

from their loan stints with the club.

During this time,

is dealing with a chronic knee problem, while

(also knee) will be out until the New Year. Meanwhile,

Kai Havertz

returned to the bench against Brighton after an illness, and

is still out with coronavirus.

and

were both injured in Wednesday's

, with hamstring and back injuries, respectively.

Chelsea will play

in the Premier League on Sunday before taking on

in the Carabao Cup semi-finals on January 5.

Follow

for the