Chelsea remain without a number of key players as their London derby clash with Tottenham in the Premier League looms.
Cesar Azpilicueta suffered a nasty head injury against Southampton, but the Spaniard issued a positive update regarding his condition on Sunday and was discharged from hospital on Tuesday. Christian Pulisic, N'Golo Kante, Edouard Mendy and Armando Broja remain as the long-term absentees in west London.
Graham Potter rested a number of his first-team stars in the recent defeat to the Saints but those players are expected to return for the weekend's London derby. With that said, football.london takes a look at the latest injury news at Stamford Bridge ahead of their clash against Tottenham.
READ MORE: Rio Ferdinand explains Graham Potter sacking decision as Chelsea linked with manager replacements
Cesar Azpilicueta
Following the defender's injury blow against the Saints, it seems Cesar Azpilicueta is in good spirits. Taking to social media, the Spaniard posted an update on Sunday afternoon accompanied by a cheesy grin.
The captain was later discharged from hospital, with a statement from the club reading: "Following a concussion injury sustained during Saturday’s game against Southampton, César Azpilicueta has been discharged from hospital and is recovering well at Cobham.
"The club’s medical team are closely monitoring César’s condition, adhering to the important concussion protocols in place to ensure his safety. César observed training today, before he starts working towards returning to the pitch."
Injury: Concussion
Expected return date: Late February/Early March
Thiago Silva
Silva was left out of the Chelsea matchday squad for their Premier League clash against Southampton after playing every minute in defence since the defeat to Newcastle back in November.
A report from The Telegraph revealed that Chelsea’s medical team advised Potter that Reece James, Thiago Silva, Kai Havertz, Mykhailo Mudryk and Raheem Sterling would all risk serious injury if they started against Southampton.
Silva looks to be available for the Blues' next game against Tottenham this week with the Brazilian preparing for the clash on his own terms. Posting to his Instagram story, Silva showed followers that he spent the day off from training working out in the gym.
What Potter has said: "No injuries. More just the turnaround and demand of the games considering a few of them had injuries previously. It was a case of managing the load and managing the squad."
Expected return date: Tottenham (A) February 26.
Christian Pulisic
Pulisic issued a two-word hint on his Chelsea return date earlier this month as he continues to nurse a knee injury. The 24-year-old came off second best in a collision with John Stones when the Blues locked horns with Manchester City in the Premier League earlier last month.
The winger has posted an image of himself from when he limped off the pitch against City. Pulisic simply captioned his post: "Back soon."
What Potter said: "No chance, no, he will be out past that [January transfer deadline] and there was never any consideration about him leaving anyway. He is a couple of months out.
"He is disappointed but he is optimistic about coming back quicker than two months. He is in that phase where he is keeping his fingers crossed and hoping his rehab goes well."
Injury: Knee
Expected return date: March
N'Golo Kante
N'Golo Kante has been missing for large parts of Chelsea's season and ongoing hamstring issues have halted his progress in recent weeks. The Frenchman has been spotted returning to training on Tuesday, but it was said to be lighter work and there will still be some time before he is fully fit again.
What Potter said: "N’Golo did his first couple of days out training on his own but there is still a long, long way to go."
Injury: Hamstring
Expected return date: Late February/Early March
Edouard Mendy
Chelsea confirmed early in January that Mendy had undergone an operation on a fractured finger sustained during training, meaning he will be absent from the squad for some time. The Senegalese shot-stopper was expected to miss at least six weeks, and has yet to return.
Injury: Finger
Expected return date: Unknown
Armando Broja
Chelsea are set to be without Broja until at least the summer months, after the striker suffered a knee injury in a mid-season friendly against Aston Villa. The 20-year-old screamed in pain following a collision with Ezri Konsa and he was subsequently stretchered off the field of play.
He looked to be in considerable pain and was seen to be clutching his leg as he was tended to by medical staff. The Albania international had no history of knee injuries and his injury is a major blow with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang out of favour at present.
Broja is expected to be out for at least the remainder of the season after learning that he needs surgery to fix a ruptured cruciate ligament in his right knee, football.london understands.
What Potter said: ''It was just an unfortunate action. He got caught up with their player and the ground. It doesn’t look positive at the moment but it’s too early to say. Fingers crossed but it is an awkward one.''
Injury: Knee
Expected return date: Summer/Autumn 2023
READ NEXT:
Why Mason Mount has not signed a new Chelsea contract amid Liverpool transfer interest
Chelsea provide positive update on Cesar Azpilicueta after suffering concussion injury
Zinedine Zidane delivers fresh management return verdict amid Chelsea Graham Potter decision
Thomas Tuchel set to make managerial return as Todd Boehly faces Graham Potter Chelsea decision
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
