Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho believes that Nemanja Matic was "very lucky" to have not suffered a career-ending injury during yesterday's 1-1 draw with Burnley.
The Blues midfielder was on the receiving end of hefty challenge from Ashley Barnes, who escaped punishment for his actions, while Matic was sent off for his reaction.
Speaking about the incident on Goals on Sunday, Mourinho stressed that his Serbian player could have easily had his playing days cut short by the force of Barnes's tackle.
"It was similar to what happened with Eden Hazard at Stoke, but this is even worse. This can be end of career. I cannot find another way to describe [it]. I have to say end of career. Matic is a very lucky guy," he said.
Matic is now expected to be banned for three matches, ruling him out of next weekend's Capital One Cup final against London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.