Chelsea will be looking to bounce back to winning ways following their frustrating 1-1 draw with Manchester United on Thursday night when they travel to Everton on Sunday afternoon. The Blues are on the brink of securing a Champions League place next season and with an FA Cup final on the horizon, they will want to tie it up as soon as possible.
Sunday afternoon will mark the first time Thomas Tuchel has faced Frank Lampard as a manager since replacing the Chelsea legend in the Stamford Bridge dugout. It has gone well for the Blues but the German admitted that he was still a bit uncomfortable against coming up against his predecessor.
A number of injury problems have plagued Chelsea this season and today will be no different. WIth that in mind, football.london takes a look at the latest injury news from Cobham.
Andreas Christensen
Tuchel confirmed before the match against West Ham that Christensen was struggling with stomach cramps, and that was the reason behind his absence. The Dane has looked far from his best in recent showings for the Blues and was looking at a return against Manchester United but missed out.
While the turnaround to Everton is short, he has returned to training and could be available to play against the Toffees.
Expected return date: Everton (H) -Sunday, May 1
Ross Barkley
Barkley was another player to join the absence list for Chelsea after missing the game against United through illness. Like Christensen, however, he's back on the training pitch and looks ready to be available for Everton.
Expected return date: Everton (H) - Sunday, May 1
Mateo Kovacic and Callum Hudson-Odoi
Like Christensen, Kovacic and Hudson-Odoi missed Thursday night's draw in Manchester. Unlike recent matches, the Blues didn't look as lost without them and created plenty of chances throughout. While the Everton clash may be a game too soon, there is hope that the duo will feature again before the end of the season.
Goal has reported that one, if not both, could play a part in the FA Cup final next month which would be a welcome boost for Tuchel as he looks to seek revenge for the Carabao Cup final loss at the start of 2022.
And positively, Kovacic returned to training alongside Christensen and Barkley on Friday.
Expected return date: Liverpool (N) - Monday, May 14
Ben Chilwell
Chilwell has not played for Chelsea since November when he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
The left-back has been a huge miss for the Blues and won't feature for the first team again this season. But the England international is nearing a return, having been seen working on the training ground in a picture posted by the team's official Instagram with the caption: "Upping those fitness levels! @benchilwell."
Chillwell is expected to step up his recovery when he begins training with the academy, according to Goal.
Expected return: Summer 2022
