Chelsea manager Graham Potter confirms heartbreaking Cesar Azpilicueta news after Southampton defeat

Underfire Chelsea boss Graham Potter has confirmed captain César Azpilicueta had to be rushed to the hospital after he was caught in the face by substitute Sekou Mara late in the game.

The Blues were chasing a  goal that would have at least given them a point after James Ward-Prowse delivered one of his trademark freekicks to give his team the lead at Stamford Bridge. That goal despite Chelsea almost throwing the kitchen sink at Southampton was enough to seal the Saints first league win of year.

While defeat now means Chelsea have only won just the two games of their last fourteen in all competitions with pressure mounting on Graham Potter after yet another disappointing game.

The win also bagged Southampton’s first league double against Chelsea in 35 years. They last achieved that feat courtesy of a 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge in 1988, a match in which a 17-year-old Alan Shearer made his league debut.

Cesar Azpilicueta  who is one of the most experienced Premier League players will be a huge loss if they can not recover him for the London derby against Tottenham next weekend.

“He’s in hospital. He is conscious and speaking to his wife. Hopefully he is in the best place and we’re monitoring. He needs to take all the precautions we need to take now.”

For Southampton they will hope that this win kickstarts their climb out of the bottom of the table while Chelsea remain 10th on the league table.