Chelsea face perhaps their biggest game of the season so far on Wednesday evening as AC Milan travel to Stamford Bridge.
The Blues, who have one point from their opening two matches in Group E and sit bottom of the table, know that three points is absolutely crucial to their chances of qualifying for the next round of the Champions League. However, they face, on paper, their strongest possible opponent in Milan.
The Rossoneri are top of the group after collecting four points from their opening two matches, so a win is not absolutely essential for the Italians. Stefano Pioli's side will of course be looking to secure victory in west London, though, but they could be without eight first-team players for the European clash.
READ MORE: Todd Boehly's restlessness showcased as Chelsea agree Christopher Nkunku transfer
Davide Calabria and Alexis Saelemaekers were both forced off with injuries in the opening six minutes of Milan's win over Empoli at the weekend, while Simon Kjaer was also replaced because of a muscular injury. This adds to an ever-growing list of injury concerns for Pioli.
Divock Origi, Alessandro Florenzi, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Mike Maignan and Theo Hernandez are also expected to miss the trip to Chelsea with injury problems. All of this together means the Italians could be without eight senior players for their third group match.
Chelsea themselves are set to welcome Marc Cucurella back to the squad after he missed Saturday's win at Crystal Palace because of illness. The Spaniard returned to first-team training with his Blues team-mates on Monday at Cobham.
It remains to be seen whether Edouard Mendy and N'Golo Kante will return from their respective injuries. Both are back in training but missed the win at Palace.
Asked if they were available for the match at Selhurst Park, Chelsea head coach Graham Potter replied: "No they're not. They are absolutely fine in terms of coming through their rehab stages.
"NG [Kante] has just been on the grass with the team but no full training. Eddie [Mendy] is a bit further on but hasn't had enough to be involved at the weekend really. Maybe next week for him."
Carney Chukwuemeka also missed the win in south London due to illness, and it remains to be seen whether he will return to the squad. Potter is set to face the press at 3pm (UK time) on Tuesday afternoon where he will deliver fresh updates on the fitness of the squad.
READ NEXT:
Christopher Nkunku transfer excitement will not fix Graham Potter's bigger Chelsea concern
Arsenal legend claims Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang can offer Chelsea something Romelu Lukaku didn't
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang sends Champions League warning as Chelsea face pivotal Milan clash
John Terry sends Graham Potter brutally honest verdict amid Todd Boehly Premier League warning
New Chelsea scouting plan fulfils Todd Boehly Cobham promise but faces £53m transfer obstacle
