Chelsea are back in action tomorrow (Saturday) evening as they travel up to Middlesbrough in the FA Cup quarter-final.
The Blues, who qualified for the quarter-final of the UEFA Champions League with a win over Lille earlier in the week, have a great chance of securing a place in the last four of the FA Cup against the Championship outfit. However, Boro have knocked out Manchester United and Tottenham in previous rounds and will be keen to cause another upset.
Thomas Tuchel will be left to sweat on a few players' fitness ahead of the tie. So, with that said, football.london rounds up the very latest injury news coming out of Stamford Bridge.
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Saul Niguez
Saul Niguez confirmed on his Twitter on Thursday afternoon that he has tested positive for Covid-19, meaning the Spaniard is likely to be absent on Saturday. The Chelsea loanee wrote: "Unfortunately we have tested positive for COVID. We are all fine for now, nothing serious. Now it's time to take care of ourselves and improve until we are negative."
Expected return date: April 2
Andreas Christensen
Andreas Christensen was taken off in Chelsea's 2-1 win at Lille on Wednesday evening, with the Dane hobbling off the pitch with what looked like a muscular injury. It has not been confirmed yet, though, with Tuchel set to face the press later today, where he could offer an update on the Denmark international.
Expected return date: Unknown
Reece James and Callum Hudson-Odoi
Reece James returned to the starting line-up following a lengthy lay-off in the 4-0 win over Burnley earlier this month. However, he picked up another injury during the triumph at Turf Moor and missed Sunday’s win over Newcastle.
Meanwhile, Callum Hudson-Odoi has been struggling with an Achilles injury and faces a late fitness test. The Chelsea academy graduates did not travel to France with the rest of the squad for the second leg against Lille.
What Tuchel has said: "With Reece and Callum, we will try to have them join in training later but this will be a very tight race."
Expected return date: Unknown
Ben Chilwell
Ben Chilwell’s return is expected to come some considerable time after the rest of his team-mates. After suffering a cruciate ligament injury - and undergoing resultant reconstructive surgery - against Juventus, he is now ruled out until at least the end of the campaign.
Expected return date: 2022/23 season
