Chelsea defender Kadeisha Buchanan requires surgery after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Buchanan, 29, last played for Chelsea in their Super League (WSL) win over Liverpool on November 10.

Speaking after announcing Chelsea’s win against title rivals Manchester City on Saturday, manager Sonia Bompastor said: “I have some sad news to share with you. We got the results this morning but he did his ACL after the Liverpool game.

“I’m very sad and I didn’t want to talk about it before the game because maybe it would take all the attention. Everyone in the club is so devastated. She performed very well.

“We’re going to support her as much as we can. She’s strong and she’s fine. She’s going to have surgery and we’re going to have to move on.”

The Canadian centre-back joins teammates Mia Fishel, Sophie Ingle and Sam Kerr, who have suffered ACL injuries.