LONDON, Dec 29 — Chelsea left back Ben Chilwell will undergo knee surgery that is likely to rule him out for the rest of the season, the Premier League club said on Tuesday.

The 25-year-old hasn’t played since picking up an anterior cruciate ligament injury in Chelsea’s Champions League group win against Juventus on Nov. 23.

"After a knee injury in the match against Juventus the Chelsea medical department, in collaboration with their knee specialist, took the decision to attempt a conservative rehab approach,” the club said in a statement.

"Unfortunately Ben was unable to progress and so collectively the decision has been taken to proceed this week with a surgical repair.”

The England international has made 12 appearances in all competitions for the London club this season, scoring three times.

Chelsea, third in the Premier League standings with 41 points from 19 games, host Brighton & Hove Albion on Wednesday. — Reuters