Chelsea injury news and return dates ahead of Man City…

Chelsea injury news and return dates ahead of Man City clash - Ben Chilwell, Reece James, Kepa

Graham Potter's Chelsea team selection were severely hampered ahead of the defeat to Arsenal with Ben Chilwell and Kepa Arrizabalaga both out of action until after the World Cup for the Blues.

Chilwell looks set to miss out on a spot in Gareth Southgate's England squad for the tournament in Qatar after scans revealed a severe hamstring injury that could see him return in the new year. Kepa will be hoping his recent form keeps him in contention for a spot in the Spain squad, but he will not feature in Chelsea's remaining two fixtures before the World Cup begins.

Reece James and Wesley Fofana have both stepped up their recoveries from injury as the former remains hopeful of heading to the Gulf with the Three Lions. Mateo Kovacic and Kalidou Koulibaly returned to the matchday squad against the Gunners but were only fit enough to start on the bench.

So, with that being said, football.london has taken a look at all the injuries in the Chelsea squad...

Ben Chilwell

Chelsea have confirmed that Ben Chilwell is out of the World Cup after he limped off in the final moments of Chelsea's Champions League match against Dinamo Zagreb. He pulled up clutching his hamstring in the fourth minute of added time before being helped off the field by the Blues medical staff after the full-time whistle.

The 25-year-old had just recently recovered from a long-term knee injury but will now miss more action including England's World Cup campaign with another injury. He sent an emotional message after the diagnosis was made public.

What Potter said: "He [Chilwell] is going to go for a scan later this afternoon, so we’ll find out how he is then and there will be an update tomorrow.

"He feels ok but obviously aware of the injury. We need to let the swelling settle down, hence the delay with the scan. But we’ll know more after that.

"I wouldn’t say fear the worst; it’s just we all saw the nature of the injury. I can’t say it looks positive. But until we get the scan, it’s difficult to say.

"He’s ok, but I suppose until you get the diagnosis…at the moment we’re just hopeful and fingers crossed. From there we’ll get him back fit and strong. It’s disappointing, of course."

Expected return date: Unknown.

Kepa Arrizabalaga

Chelsea's new first-choice keeper was subbed off at half-time against Brighton due to a foot injury and missed the final training session ahead of the win against Dinamo Zagreb. After the game on the south coast, the boss said: "He felt the bottom of his foot, so I don't know, it's too early yet. It was too bad for him to carry on. So that is disappointing for him because he is in a really good moment."

Edouard Mendy looks set to continue on in goal up until the break for the World Cup, with Potter offering an update on the Spaniard's condition.

What Potter said: "Kepa, no. It's his plantar fascia (foot), so I don't think he will play before the World Cup."

Expected return date: Unknown

Wesley Fofana

Minimal news has come out regarding Wesley Fofana's knee injury suffered against AC Milan at the start of October that was set to keep him out 'for a few weeks'. The Frenchman is now set to travel to Dubai to continue his recovery.

What Potter said: N/A

Expected return date: Bournemouth (H), December 27.

Reece James

Like Fofana, James will be away in Dubai to see a specialist on his knee after hobbling off injured against AC Milan earlier this week.

James was initially thought to be okay, but the knock worsened in the days after the match, and James has been revealed as being out for at least eight weeks. He won't play before the World Cup break but could still make Gareth Southgate's squad.

The eight weeks would take him to the start of December, meaning there is a slight chance he could be fit to play at some point in the knockout stages if his initial recovery goes well. He is currently wearing a protective boot.

What Potter said: N/A

Expected return date: Bournemouth (H), December 27.