Chelsea are saddled with a number of injury concerns as the first week of the international break comes to a close.
As so often seems to be the case on the international break, two Blues have picked up new injuries, with Mike Penders and Jamie Gittens both nursing issues.
But perhaps more concerning are the issues which ruled the likes of Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro and Reece James out of their own international duties.
Here is all the latest Chelsea injury news and potential return dates...
Cole Palmer
Cole Palmer impressed for Chelsea right up until the international break, but withdrew from the England squad - much to Thomas Tuchel’s ire - with an injury.
It is understood he is dealing with a minor muscular injury, which Chelsea are managing. His withdrawal from the England squad is also likely down partly to load management.
Chelsea are eager to avoid a repeat of Palmer’s struggles last season, where he was plagued by a persistent groin injury.
Potential return date: October 10 vs Bournemouth (H)
Joao Pedro
Joao Pedro was absent for Chelsea’s final match before the international break after picking up a knee injury in the 2-2 draw with Hull.
Xabi Alonso suggested Joao Pedro would face a late fitness test for the trip to face Brentford, but the striker played no part and later dropped out of Brazil’s squad for the international break.
It is hoped he will be able to return immediately after the international break, fit and firing after three weeks of rest.
Potential return date: October 10 vs Bournemouth (H)
Reece James
As has been the story of his career, Reece James is once again dealing with a hamstring injury.
Similarly to Joao Pedro, he has not featured for Chelsea since the 2-2 draw with Hull, missing training and the Brentford defeat thereafter.
Thomas Tuchel confirmed injury was behind his exclusion from this England squad, saying earlier this month: He had a little injury in his hamstring.
“He tried, we waited until this morning but he couldn't make it. Now we have enough time to prepare for the next one. He was just short of recovering."
He will hope to be back in contention after the international break.
Potential return date: October 10 vs Bournemouth (H)
Moises Caicedo
Moises Caicedo has been limited to just 14 minutes of football this season as he recovers from a troublesome calf injury.
He returned to face Brighton in the league, coming off the bench in the second half, but managed less than a quarter of an hour before being forced off again. Xabi Alonso later apologised for rushing him back.
Alonso suggested he was close to returning before Chelsea’s visit to Brentford, though Caicedo played no part there. After three more weeks of rest during the international break, he should be back in contention next month.
Potential return date: October 10 vs Bournemouth (H)
Mike Penders
Mike Penders was Chelsea’s first casualty of the international break after he picked up a quad injury while representing Belgium.
His injury came in training and he has remained with the Belgium squad to receive treatment, suggesting it is not a serious problem.
There is no clear indication of how long he will spend out.
Potential return date: Unknown
Jamie Gittens
Jamie Gittens was another new addition to the injury list during the international break after he picked up an ankle injury while representing England U21s against Kazakhstan.
He was pictured leaving the stadium on crutches and wearing a protective boot. Lee Carsley later confirmed he is due to return to Chelsea for tests.
Potential return date: Unknown
Marco Palestra
Summer signing Marco Palestra is yet to play competitive football for Chelsea as he continues his recovery from a knock suffered in pre-season.
Alonso has repeatedly suggested he is close to a comeback, saying ahead of the Brentford match that he was close to being in contention.
He did not feature there, though, and it is hoped he can do so after the international break.
Potential return date: October 10 vs Bournemouth (H)
Emmanuel Emegha
Emmanuel Emegha joins Marco Palestra on the list of summer signings denied debuts by injuries.
As with so many of his team-mates, he was thought to be closing in on a comeback ahead of the Brentford match, but did not feature and will once again hope to debut when Bournemouth visit the Bridge.
Potential return date: October 10 vs Bournemouth (H)
