Report: Eva Carneiro leaves Chelsea, legal battle looms

Eva Carneiro and Chelsea have parted ways, with the Blues now braced for a legal battle as the now-former club doctor files a case for constructive dismissal, BBC Sport reports.

Earlier accounts claimed Carneiro was asked to return to the club's Cobham training ground on Friday, but it now appears that she did not report for duty.

Although her failure to return to her role since the Aug. 8 incident could hurt her case, Chelsea is bracing for expensive legal proceedings. It is understood that she is consulting top employment lawyers.

The fallout occurred after a poor 2-2 draw at home to Swansea City, when manager Jose Mourinho lashed out at his medical team after its treatment of Eden Hazard briefly left Chelsea with nine men after Thibaut Courtois had been sent off earlier.

"I wasn't happy with my medical staff because even if you are a medical doctor or secretary on the bench, you have to understand the game," he told the press postgame.

In the wake of the match, it transpired that referee Michael Oliver gestured for the pair to tend to Hazard, making it their obligation to do so.

Mourinho was condemned for his comments by many in football and the medical profession, and Carneiro has not been back to work since.

In support of Carneiro, a joint statement from the British Association of Sport and Exercise Medicine and Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine has been submitted to the League Managers' Association.

There is also an ongoing investigation by the Football Association due to a member of the public alleging that Mourinho had used abusive or sexist language against Carneiro, something which would incur a five-match ban for the Portuguese if he's found guilty.

This row shows no signs of letting up, and is clearly an unwanted distraction for what has already been a difficult start to the campaign for the London club.