Chelsea‘s injury situation is set to improve significantly for this weekend’s trip to face Leicester, though there is one major blow.
Enzo Maresca has plenty of issues at the start of the international break, with Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill both withdrawing from England duty, while Wesley Fofana, Romeo Lavia and Malo Gusto also had fitness concerns.
However, ahead of his Maresca’s return to former club Leicester, almost his full squad have been in training to bolster his options.
There is, though, one frustrating setback, with Reece James now once again on the sidelines with a hamstring problem.
Here’s the latest Chelsea injury news…
Reece James
Chelsea captain Reece James is facing another spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.
The full-back had to wait until October for his first appearance of the season, having picked up a hamstring issue ahead of the new campaign, and he has now suffered a fresh setback.
“He felt something and we don't want to take any risks for the weekend,” Maresca said at his press conference on Thursday.
“He is the only one that is not available for this weekend. It's a muscular problem. We don't want to take any risks for this weekend and hopefully it's not something long.
“At the moment we don’t know how long. Then we’ll see.”
Potential return date: Unknown
Cole Palmer
Cole Palmer did not join up with England over the international break, withdrawing from the squad as a precaution.
The Blues star played the full 90 minutes against Arsenal a fortnight ago, despite having been a doubt for that match after he was on the receiving end of a heavy challenge from Lisandro Martinez a week earlier.
Palmer has taken part in Chelsea training this week and is expected to be fit for the weekend, with Maresca confirming that a number of those who had been injury doubts are likely to return.
The Chelsea boss said: “Some of them are better, some of them we will test today but overall they are much better.”
Potential return date: Saturday November 23, 2024 vs Leicester
Jadon Sancho
It has been a frustrating few weeks for Jadon Sancho, who has not played since the defeat away to Liverpool last month.
The winger has been contending with illness and a knock, but has returned to training this week and is in contention to make the squad against Leicester.
Potential return date: Saturday November 23, 2024 vs Leicester
Romeo Lavia
After he was forced off against Arsenal, Romeo Lavia still joined up with the Belgium but did not play any part in their matches against Italy and Israel.
Belgium boss Domenico Tedesco explained why he left Lavia out of the matchday squad for the Italy match.
"I think Romeo Lavia has a hamstring problem," he told RTL Sports: "It was bothering him this morning and we didn't want to risk him."
Lavia was pictured in training on Thursday, suggesting he is not facing a spell on the sidelines.
Potential return date: Saturday November 23, 2024 vs Leicester
Levi Colwill
As was the case with Palmer, Levi Colwill played the full match against but then withdrew from the England squad.
There has not been an official update on what that injury issue was, though it is not believed to be serious and Colwill has been in training this week.
As long as there are no setbacks on Friday, he is likely to make the squad on Saturday.
Potential return date: Saturday November 23, 2024 vs Leicester
Malo Gusto
Having started against the Gunners, Gusto was replaced in the 82nd minute with an injury and then had to withdraw from France U21 duty.
"The defender underwent a medical examination upon arrival at Clairefontaine, France's training base. The French Football Federation confirmed the withdrawal of Gusto and three other players due to injury," a statement read.
However, Gusto posted a picture on social of himself in Chelsea training earlier this week, which would point to him being available for Maresca.
Potential return date: Saturday November 23, 2024 vs Leicester
Wesley Fofana
Wesley Fofana is in contention to face his former side Leicester this weekend.
The French Football Federation released a statement at the start of the international break confirming the defender was ‘experiencing pain in his left knee’ following the clash against Arsenal and would not feature for his country.
As with many of his team-mates, Fofana has taken part in training ahead of the trip to the King Power.
Potential return date: Saturday November 23, 2024 vs Leicester
Omari Kellyman
Omari Kellyman is still waiting to make his debut for Chelsea, having arrived for £19million from Aston Villa in the summer.
The 19-year-old has not yet recovered from a hamstring injury, but recent reports suggest that Kellyman could return to training by the end of this month, with a view to being available in December.
Potential return date: December 2024
