Chelsea are already dealing with mounting injury problems this early into the season, and have been hit by another lengthy absence.
Mauricio Pochettino has not been dealt the easiest of hands on the fitness front with captain Reece James suffering a hamstring problem on the opening day. Goalscorer Carney Chukwuemeka is another who picked up a problem within the opening two games of the campaign, leading to yet more frustration for Pochettino.
Here is your latest on Chelsea injuries and return dates...
Reece James
Thankfully for the Blues, Pochettino insisted that James was looking at a return date weeks away rather than months.
With that in mind, a return after the upcoming international break looks likely.
“It is not about a few days, maybe a few weeks but the most important thing is the evolution. The good thing is it is not a big issue,” said the Blues boss last week.
Potential return date: September 2023
Christopher Nkunku
The Frenchman impressed during pre-season but was cruelly cut down by a knee injury in the final game of the club’s tour of the USA.
Nkunku underwent surgery and is not expected back for a number of months.
Potential return date: November 2023
Carney Chukwuemeka
Carney Chukwuemeka has undergone surgery on a knee injury sustained against West Ham on Sunday.
Chelsea did not give a timeline for the teenager’s return to match fitness, but Standard Sport understands it should be around six weeks.
Potential return date: October 2023
Armando Broja
Broja, who has been talked up by Pochettino, is nearing a return after a serious knee injury suffered in December.
Potential return date: October 2023
Benoit Badiashile
Like Nnunku, Benoit Badiashile is not expected back in action for a while after a serious hamstring injury before a ball was kicked in pre-season.
The Frenchman is back in training but given the nature of the issue, will unlikely be rushed back.
Potential return date: September 2023
Wesley Fofana
The £75m defender is unlikely to play at all this season after a suffering an ACL injury as his injury problems continue.
