Chelsea's hidden £14m curse holds key to unlocking Thomas Tuchel's Premier League masterplan

Talking about injuries affecting results and performances can be easily dismissed as a lazy excuse. It can be seen as an easy get out to mask wider issues and avoid addressing the real problems.

In football and in life we want definitive answers. We like things simple and clean cut. When things are unclear or mysteries left unresolved we feel a sense of emptiness, like we haven't eaten enough food or not seen the last 20 minutes of a film. If we cannot boil our club's problems down to a manager, one player or one formation then something must be wrong.

That feels the case with Chelsea's season, injuries hampering rhythm at key points of this season have left a lingering sense of 'what if?' Even though larger problems currently surround the club.

Damning Mason Mount stat debunks bizarre social media myth to fulfil Thomas Tuchel's NBA promise

Chelsea gifted with their dream takeover manifesto that sees 'God-tier' stadium renovation

Most notably is the season-ending ACL injury to Ben Chilwell in late November against Juventus. On that evening, Chelsea swatted aside the Italian giants with a dominant 4-0 win, scoring some brilliant goals, teammates connecting superbly and flashes of skill sprinkled on top.

Video: Antonio Conte says changing Spurs is impossible (Football London)

Mikel Arteta Reveals The 'Key To Success' And Demands On Arsenal Players

Luis Suarez and Micah Richards agree on Benfica striker Darwin Nunez amid Arsenal transfer talk

Chelsea players not on international duty spend time together in USA

Ben White Trains With England Ahead Of Switzerland Friendly

Spurs Transfer Rumours

Cedric Soares trains ahead of Portugal's World Cup play-off tie vs Turkey

Emmanuel Petit Gives Arsenal William Saliba Warning Over