Chelsea continue to deal with a lengthy injury list.
While there is some debate as to quite whether or not having so many players available would actually help Mauricio Pochettino manage, some of the absentees are of the highest quality.
Though managing such a large group of players cannot be easy, any team in the world would surely miss the talents of the likes of Christopher Nkunku, Ben Chilwell and Reece James.
With that in mind, here’s a look at the latest Chelsea injuries.
Christopher Nkunku
Summer signing Nkunku is now suffering from a hip injury, having already missed so much football due to a knee problem sustained in pre-season.
While the Frenchman missed the loss to Middlesbrough in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final, Pochettino hinted there was an outside chance he could play against Fulham on Saturday.
"He won't be involved tomorrow; we will see for Saturday. We are not sure; we are going to be cautious,” he said.
Potential return date: January 2024
Benoit Badiashile
Benoit Badiashile missed the wins over Luton and Preston as well as the loss in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.
The club, however, have confirmed the defender is back in first-team training.
Potential return date: January 2024
Ben Chilwell
Ben Chilwell started the season as a key player under Pochettino but has not played since September due to a hamstring injury.
While caution will surely be applied in regards to his return, the Blues have confirmed the left-back is in full team training.
Potential return date: January 2024
Carney Chukwuemeka
Like Chilwell, Carney Chukwuemeka was a fixture of Pochettino’s early sides at Chelsea but a knee problem has ruled him out for much of the campaign.
The teenager, however, is back in full team training.
Potential return date: January 2024
Robert Sanchez
Signed as Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper this summer, Robert Sanchez has not been able to feature since coming off in the defeat at Everton last month.
The Spaniard is set for a scan but there is a hope he will avoid surgery.
"After today we will have a clear idea after the scan this morning," said the Blues boss.
"No [he won't need surgery]; it is only [to understand] the pace of the recovery so he can go from doing treatment to starting on the pitch."
Potential return date: Unknown
Romeo Lavia
Romeo Lavia has played only once since a big money move from Southampton, picking up a fresh injury when making his debut against Crystal Palace last month.
Pochettino is unsure when the Belgian will return.
“Lavia is recovering from his injury but we still don't know when he will be back from his quad problem suffered against [Crystal] Palace,” said the Argentine last week.
Potential return date: Unknown
Lesley Ugochukwu
Lesley Ugochukwu was starting to enjoy more regular first-team football under Pochettino but has since been ruled out for around four to six weeks with a hamstring injury suffered on Christmas Eve.
Potential return date: Unknown
Reece James
Chelsea captain Reece James is another to have endured more injury frustration this season, after such a difficult time with it last year too.
Limited to only nine appearances all season, he underwent hamstring surgery late last month and is expected to be out until around March.
Potential return date: Unknown
Marc Cucurella
Marc Cucurella underwent ankle surgery last month and is expected to miss around three months of action.
Potential return date: Unknown
Wesley Fofana
Wesley Fofana seems unlikely to play at all this season after sustaining a serious knee injury date.
