Rio Ferdinand bemoaned Hakim Ziyech’s shoulder injury in Chelsea’s Super Cup victory over Villarreal and urged the player ‘do his rehab and protect himself’ to ensure a strong return to the team.
Ziyech opened the scoring in Belfast but his night was brought to an end as he was forced off in the 43rd minute before Kepa Arrizabalaga inspired the club to a penalty shootout victory.
The Moroccan midfielder appeared to be caught by Juan Foyth’s arm before landing awkwardly and was in discomfort as he was administered oxygen on the pitch by the medical staff.
- Solskjaer opens up on more transfer ‘surprises’ & rates Man Utd title chances
- Tuchel explains half-time clash with Emery after Chelsea win over Villarreal
- Tuchel gives Hakim Ziyech injury update after Super Cup victory over Villarreal
Reacting to Ziyech’s injury, Ferdinand said: ‘A lot of injuries happen like that, when you least expect it. He’s not even in touch with the ball and Foyth – who was marking him – just jumped and didn’t know where Ziyech was.
‘His arm was above his shoulder and he’s just thrown it out. ‘It’s disappointing as he’s had a really good pre-season but this was an important season for him.
‘We spoke about Havertz and Werner struggling after their first season. Ziyech was the same. He didn’t get to the heights of his Ajax form and was looking to do that this season.
‘It started today with a goal but it was cut short through injury and it’s disappointing for him.’
However, Ferdinand fears Ziyech’s shoulder may be a ‘weakness’ after now but hopes the ex-Ajax player looks after himself and takes his rehab seriously.
The former Manchester United defender added: ‘I played with a number of players who struggled with shoulder injuries. ‘Rafael Da Silva did it at Manchester United and it’s an injury that can just happen again and again.
‘No matter what rehab you do, you can be diligent with your rehab but it can still be a weakness when you go out there and play. ‘He’ll have to do his rehab and protect himself.’
In his post-match interview with BT Sport, Thomas Tuchel confirmed that Ziyech’s injury would keep him sidelined for the foreseeable future.
‘If you take a player out during the first half, it’s serious,’ the Chelsea manager said. ‘It’s unfortunate because he was a very decisive player for us in the last few games.
