Raheem Sterling is expected to step up his recovery from a hamstring injury in the coming days, football.london understands. And there is hope both Reece James and Ben Chilwell can make their returns when Chelsea welcome Fulham to Stamford Bridge on February 3.
Throughout Graham Potter's tenure as head coach, Chelsea have been blighted by injuries. 10 players were ruled out earlier this month following the Premier League defeat to Manchester City, a game in which Sterling limped off and Christian Pulisic also suffered a knee problem.
Chelsea, rather unsurprisingly, have struggled for form in the absence of so many influential figures. Yet there is optimism that several players will be able to return to the first-team fold following the 13-gap between fixtures.
READ MORE: Chelsea's triple January transfer hands former Arsenal star brutal Graham Potter reality
James and Chilwell were both back in team training ahead of the weekend trip to Anfield to face Liverpool. Neither were involved in that fixture but there is an expectation the duo – whose importance has again been highlighted in their prolonged absences - can feature in some capacity against Fulham.
Trevoh Chalobah limped off late into the game at Anfield but concern quickly abated as it was confirmed the defender was suffering from cramp. The centre-back will be ready to feature against Fulham, as will Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who was back involved in the matchday squad against Liverpool having overcome a thigh issue.
Wesley Fofana (knee) is still undertaking his rehabilitation work and N'Golo Kante is not expected back from his hamstring injury until early March; the Frenchman has played less than 180 minutes of football for Chelsea this season. Denis Zakaria, meanwhile, remains sidelined with the thigh issue he sustained in the defeat to Fulham at Craven Cottage.
Pulisic is continuing his recovery from the medial collateral ligament injury picked up earlier this month but it is hoped Sterling can make his return to team training by the start of next week. Armando Broja is not anticipated to return to action this season due to the knee ligament injury he suffered in the friendly against Aston Villa.
READ NEXT:
Transfer talks, Mykhailo Mudryk plans - Graham Potter's Chelsea to-do list ahead of Fulham
Chelsea set for major transfer problem that will get worse with Enzo Fernandez and Malo Gusto
Todd Boehly has one final task to complete £138m Chelsea transfer mission
Chelsea could still complete four transfers in January amid failed Moises Caicedo bid
Find the footballs on the football.london website to win cash prize, vouchers and TV worth £3,000
