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Callum Hudson-Odoi has been the name on the lips of Chelsea supporters this season.

His development has been closely monitored by fans who have long predicted him to become a key first team player, but he has struggled to make his mark for the majority of the current campaign.

However, he has finally established himself in the senior squad in recent months, proving that Maurizio Sarri's stubbornness is not completely unbreakable.

The 18-year-old's season was recently cut short by an injury, though, with a ruptured Achilles tendon leaving him sidelined. 

And Chelsea's academy product will now be joined on the injury table by Antonio Rudiger, who will miss the end of the current season and the start of the next one with a knee injury, per London Evening Standard.

In response to the news, Hudson-Odoi offered his best wishes to his teammate and tipped the Germany international to return a stronger player.

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Rudiger, valued at £40.5 million by Transfermarkt, has been a mainstay at the heart of Chelsea's defensive unit this season.

He has made 33 starts in the Premier League and is clearly a big part of Sarri's long-term plan, so his absence will be a major blow for the club.

It remains to be seen whether Hudson-Odoi will still be at Stamford Bridge next season to see if Rudiger does indeed return stronger upon his return to fitness.