BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 10: Aston Villa manager Unai Emery pushes John McGinn away from angry Tottenham players and towards the tunnel after he sent off for a foul during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur at Villa Park on March 10, 2024 in Birmingham, England.(Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
Chelsea suffered a major injury setback when Benoit Badiashile was pulled off the field late in their FA Cup fourth-round match against Aston Villa on Wednesday night. The Frenchman came in as one of three changes from Sunday’s 4-2 loss to Wolves.
Badiashile had been outstanding alongside former Monaco defensive partner Axel Disasi until the 85th minute. He was replaced by Alfie Gilchrist for the remainder of the contest, as the Blues led 3-0.
Chelsea won the game 3-1 despite losing a late goal, advancing to the fifth round. It is a significant boost for Mauricio Pochettino following a difficult week for the manager.
Badiashile replaced Thiago Silva, who had a terrible week. The 39-year-old’s wife rushed to social media following the defeat to Wolves, appearing to demand for Pochettino’s dismissal.
Silva came on late in the game to help finish it. Moises Caicedo also appeared to have taken a knock in the second half, as he went down.
The Ecuadorian remained on the floor during a Villa onslaught and was treated by medical personnel after Chelsea regained possession and kicked the ball out of play. He finished the game despite the fact that it appeared he would be substituted.
