Mason Mount limps off injured after horror lunge from ex-Arsenal star Francis Coquelin during Chelsea’s Champions League tie with Valencia
- Mason Mount lasted just 15 minutes against Valencia on Tuesday evening
- The Chelsea midfielder was caught by a studs-up lunge from Francis Coquelin
- Ex-Arsenal man received a yellow card following challenge at Stamford Bridge
- Mount will hope to be fit to face league leaders Liverpool on Sunday afternoon
Mason Mount was forced off just 15 minutes into Chelsea’s Champions League clash with Valencia after being caught by a studs-up lunge from Francis Coquelin.
The Blues youngster, who has made a brilliant start to the season under Frank Lampard, was hit just above his right ankle after a wild challenge from the former Arsenal midfielder.
Mount attempted to play on after the incident – which saw Coquelin receive a yellow card – but he had to come off shortly afterwards in an early blow for the hosts.
Former Arsenal midfielder Francis Coquelin catches Mason Mount with a studs-up lunge
Mount receives medical treatment after being caught above the right ankle by Coquelin
Mount had started the opening group stage clash brightly, but his evening was brought to a premature end by Coquelin’s crunching tackle.
The Frenchman, who represented the Gunners between 2008 and 2010, caught Mount with his follow-through after getting a touch on the ball.
Speaking about the incident during half-time of BT Sport’s coverage, pundit Eidur Gudjohnsen said: ‘It’s not an easy decision for the referee to make because he has to decide quickly whether he does it on purpose, whether he’s going for the ball and follows through. It doesn’t look good.’
Mount screams in pain after being caught late by Coquelin during the first half on Tuesday
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard comforts Mount as he is forced off the pitch at Stamford Bridge
However, Owen Hargreaves defended Coquelin, insisting that the Valencia midfielder was fully focused on winning the ball.
‘It’s not intentional,’ Hargreaves said on BT Sport. ‘He gets the ball first and you just feel sorry for Mason Mount.’
Chelsea are next in action on Sunday when Premier League leaders Liverpool visit Stamford Bridge.
