Ben Chilwell reassures Thomas Tuchel after injury scare with pre-season update after Watford win

Ben Chilwell has reassured Thomas Tuchel of his injury status with a message on Instagram after the Blues boss admitted he was 'scared' to hand the 25-year-old a return. The left-back made his highly anticipated return from the sidelines with a cameo display against Watford on the final of the Premier League season.

He suffered an injury to his anterior cruciate ligament in November during the second half of an impressive 4-0 win over Juventus in the Champions League group stage. Chilwell was expected to miss the rest of the season, handing Tuchel side a major setback in the Premier League title race and bid to retain Chelsea's European crown.

The England international, who then had knee surgery in December, featured 12 times for the Blues prior to his absence, directly contributing toward four goals. He was central to much of the west London side's success in the early stages of the season and the Blues were left to greatly rue the defender's injury.

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After six months out, Tuchel gifted Chilwell a few minutes in the dying embers of the clash in front of the Stamford Bridge faithful. And, speaking after the game in the post-match press conference, the German admitted that he scared to risk the defender.

"I was a bit scared if it was maybe too much because he has been in training but not full training," Tuchel said. "But he has worked hard to be back and he was happy to have the chance to have some minutes."

Hours later, Chilwell posted a message on Instagram which read: "What a feeling being back on the grass. Thank you for the amazing reception. See you next season!"

The left-back elaborated on his return in an interview with