The French Football Federation (FFF) has confirmed that Chelsea defender Axel Disasi has torn his thigh muscle.

The centre-back was only called up by his international side on Monday as a replacement for Jules Kounde but the 25-year-old has now had to drop out himself.

Disasi has “a tear in the quadriceps of the left thigh”, meaning he is a doubt for the game against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge a week on Saturday.

It is believed that the Frenchman was already carrying a thigh problem, having been seen with strapping on his left leg in recent games, and it does appear as if he may have made the injury worse in the 4-1 win over Burnley at the weekend.

Disasi has been a key player for Pochettino

Since arriving from Monaco for €45m (£39m) in the summer, manager Mauricio Pochettino has used the centre-back on a regular basis.

In fact, Disasi has played the full 90 minutes in all of Chelsea’s 10 games so far this campaign, having struck up a strong partnership with Thiago Silva. This injury does, however, put that run of matches in danger.

Who could replace the Chelsea star in the starting lineup?

The most logical solution would be to move Levi Colwill from left-back to the centre of defence. As Reece James AND Malo Gusto are set to be back in contention for the Arsenal game, there is no need for Marc Cucurella to stay on the right. Colwill’s move in-field would allow the Spaniard to swap flanks.

Injuries to the likes of Trevoh Chalobah, Benoit Badiashile and Wesley Fofana do limit Pochettino’s options somewhat and Disasi’s injury scare means the Blues boss could be down to the bare bones at the back.

Watch a recap of the weekend action in the Premier League on Shots! TV here