Gittens returning to Chelsea after suffering injury with England U21s

Chelsea have been dealt a potential injury blow after Lee Carsley confirmed Jamie Gittens was returning to the club for treatment after sustaining an injury with England Under-21s.

Gittens was forced off with an apparent ankle injury during England's 4-2 win over Kazakhstan in European Championship qualifying.

The winger made way in the 39th minute and was later spotted on crutches, and he has already been ruled out of their final two qualifying games.

Head coach Lee Carsley explained that Gittens had returned to Chelsea, with England unwilling to take any risks with the youngster's fitness.

"Jamie got a kick on his ankle. We never take any risks," Carsley said, as quoted by The Sun.

"With the age of these players, we don't ever keep them in camp to see how they are. He will go back."

Gittens has made just two appearances for Chelsea since Xabi Alonso took over, with both of those coming in the EFL Cup, and only one coming from the start.

Indeed, he has been limited since joining the Blues from Borussia Dortmund at the start of last season, making just 29 appearances in total and netting only one goal.

The extent of Gittens' injury has not been disclosed yet, with Chelsea's next game coming against Bournemouth on October 10.