Enzo Maresca has been forced to improvise in defence in response to several Chelsea injury concerns.
Reece James is enduring another frustrating season, while Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile are both currently on the sidelines as well.
It meant Maresca turned to Axel Disasi at right-back in Sunday’s draw with Everton, as Tosin Adarabioyo started alongside Levi Colwill in the centre of defence.
Romeo Lavia is another player who missed the trip to Goodison Park in what was a significant blow.
As the fixtures come thick and fast over the festive period, here’s the latest Chelsea injury news...
Reece James
Reece James returned to Chelsea training this week, as he looks to put his latest injury nightmare behind him.
The Blues captain has been out since the draw with Arsenal in early November, having suffered another hamstring injury during training.
James has managed only four appearances so far this season and while the latest stage in his recovery is a boost for Chelsea, the club will be cautious as he builds towards full fitness.
“Reece finally [on Friday] will start with us for part of the session, so slowly, slowly, he will be back,” Maresca said.
“That doesn’t mean he is going to be with us on Sunday [against Everton] or next Sunday.
“The plan for him [on Friday] is to be with the team for part of the session and from there to try to build the right condition for him. Then finally he can be back with us.”
Potential return date: Unknown
Romeo Lavia
Maresca has had to cope without Romeo Lavia in recent weeks, with the midfielder not featuring since coming off at half-time against Tottenham earlier this month.
Lavis was believed to be close to proving his fitness in time to feature against Everton on Sunday, but ultimately was not named in the squad.
The midfielder is expected to make his return before the end of the year, though.
Potential return date: Thursday, December 26 vs Fulham
Wesley Fofana
A hamstring injury suffered against Aston Villa at the start of December has left Fofana facing another spell on the sidelines.
Speaking after that match, Maresca said: "Unfortunately it is bad news. A hamstring problem. These kind of things usually require three, four, five weeks.”
However, it looks like that timeframe could be extended, with Maresca suggesting ahead of his side’s clash with Everton on Sunday that Fofana would be out for “a long period”.
Potential return date: Unknown
Benoit Badiashile
Fofana is not the only centre-back absentee for Maresca, with Benoit Badiashile also currently unavailable.
The Frenchman picked up an injury in training ahead of the win over Brentford this month, with the exact nature of the issue not confirmed.
However, like Fofana, Badiashile will not return before the end of the year and could face a lengthy spell out
"Both are still out and both will still be out for a long period,” Maresca said last week.
Potential return date: Unknown
Carney Chukwuemeka
Carney Chukwuemeka did not make the squad against Brentford, with Maresca revealing the midfielder had been battling illness, and he did not return to face Everton at Goodison Park.
However, that could have been down to the fact his Chelsea future appears to be in doubt, with Maresca suggesting Chukwuemeka and Ben Chilwell could leave in January.
"There are players that unfortunately didn't play a lot with us in all the competitions, like Chilwell, like Carney," said Maresca.
"Probably they're the first that will want to leave because they work every day because they want to play."
Potential return date: Thursday, December 26 vs Fulham
