Chelsea could remain without five first team players for Sunday’s clash with Arsenal as they return to Premier League action.
The Blues were able to welcome back Kalidou Koulibaly for their final Champions League group stage tie with Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday after the defender had missed out on three successive games, but Graham Potter will still have to work without a fully fit squad for the visit of the Gunners in three days’ time.
Here is all you need to know about the current state of play at Stamford Bridge and the expected return dates for those out on the sidelines.
Ben Chilwell
Chilwell is the latest addition to Chelsea's injury list and is now a huge doubt for the World Cup after suffering a hamstring injury against Zagreb on Wednesday.
The England international pulled up in stoppage time while holding the back of his left leg. A scan will reveal more information in the coming hours and days.
"It doesn't look positive," said Potter. "It's a blow for us on an otherwise positive evening I think. It's a blow to see him pull up like that, it's not a great sight. So fingers crossed when we get the scan it isn't bad, it can be not severe, but we have to have fingers crossed at the moment. But clearly we're disappointed."
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Mateo Kovacic
Blues midfielder Kovacic will hope to return to action this weekend after being left out in midweek once more.
The Croatian was absent from the 4-1 defeat to Brighton last time out after experiencing some tightness in one of his calf's, before Potter made the decision not to risk him on Wednesday. However, he could return against Arsenal.
Speaking on Tuesday, Potter said: "Kovacic was just precautionary with his calf. He’s got a chance for the game tomorrow, we will make a decision later on."
Kepa Arrizabalaga
Potter’s first choice goalkeeper Kepa was the latest name to be added to Chelsea ’s injury list after being withdrawn at half time of last weekend’s 4-1 defeat to Brighton.
The Spanish shot-stopper has enjoyed a successful run in the side since Potter took over in September but a foot injury will now force him to work his way back into the side once he regains full fitness, with the 28-year-old a doubt for Sunday’s tie with Arsenal.
Speaking on Tuesday, Potter said: “Kepa won’t be available for the game (against Dinamo Zagreb). He has a slight issue with his plantar fascia [a part of your foot that connects your heelbone to your toes]. We’re looking at days, but certainly not for the game tomorrow.”
Reece James
James remains sidelined with a knee injury and is continuing his recovery as he aims to work his way back to full fitness in time for the World Cup this month. England's opening game of the tournament is against Iran on November 21.
The defender has missed Chelsea's last six fixtures since coming off against AC Milan on October 11 and will not feature for the Blues again until December. A club statement on Monday revealed that he is continuing his rehabilitation programme in Dubai this week.
Speaking on October 21, Potter said: "He'll be in a brace for four weeks to stabilise the knee, then it’s rehab that will take eight weeks, we think."
Wesley Fofana
Fofana is also expected to remain out until after the World Cup as he continues his recovery from a knee issue which he picked up in the 3-0 victory over AC Milan on October 5.
The centre back was forced off before the end of the first half during that game and has since missed Chelsea’s last eight fixtures, while he is also continuing his rehabilitation programme in Dubai this week alongside James.
Speaking on October 14, Potter said: “He’s progressing where he was. I don’t think we will see him before the World Cup in terms of playing for Chelsea.”
N’Golo Kante
Blues midfielder Kante will not feature again until 2023 after it was revealed in October that he will be sidelined for another four months after undergoing successful surgery on his hamstring injury.
The Frenchman returned to first team training at the start of October following his lengthy lay-off from the initial injury he sustained back in August, before sustaining a fresh problem earlier this month that will force him out of action until at least February.
On October 18, an official club statement read: “N’Golo Kante has undergone an operation on his hamstring injury. Following a successful operation, N’Golo is now expected to be sidelined for four months.”
