Chelsea defender requires knee surgery

Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger will miss the rest of the season. The German international has gone to Rome for surgery on a knee injury.

Rudiger picked up the knock during Sunday's 1-1 Premier League draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford. The 26-year old was only making his comeback in that game after injuring the same knee in their recent defeat to Liverpool.

Thanks for today's support. I hope to be back soon 💪🏾👊🏾 #StayPositive #Hustle #AlwaysBelieve @ChelseaFC pic.twitter.com/PBGSbU6OpE

— Antonio Rüdiger (@ToniRuediger) April 28, 2019

Rudiger has damaged his left meniscus, and will undergo surgery at Rome's Villa Stuart Clinic. The Chelsea doctor has also travelled to Rome to oversee the surgery that will be carried out by Professor Pierpaolo Mariani.

The surgery means Rudiger will miss both legs of Chelsea's Europa League semi final with Eintracht Frankfurt. Chelsea are also hoping to secure a top-4 place in the Premier League, with their remaining games at home to Watford and away to Leicester City.