Manchester City's Carabao Cup victory over Chelsea on Wednesday evening saw Graham Potter's side stretch their domestic winless run to five games. Second-half goals from Riyad Mahrez and Julian Alvarez saw the Blues exit the competition they lost on penalties in the final last February.
There is minimal time for moping, though, as Chelsea have a huge test as their final game before the World Cup break as they travel to St James Park to face a Newcastle United side who have not lost in the Premier League since August 31 and have scored 20 goals in their last eight games.
Potter remains without important cogs in his squad due to long-term injuries, such as Wesley Fofana, while many Blues players are struggling to reach full match fitness, such as Mateo Kovacic on the eve of the World Cup commencing. With that said, here's all the latest Chelsea injury news.
READ MORE: Gareth Southgate has just handed Graham Potter early Christmas present with clear Chelsea plan
Reece James
Reece James has been away in Dubai with Chelsea team-mate Wesley Fofana as the duo continue their rehabilitation from respective knee injuries.
The Blues wing-back confirmed he had been informed he would not be heading to the World Cup with England with Gareth Southgate, then offering an update on why he chose not to take the risk on James, who felt he could have had a role to play.
What Southgate said: "We had to make a very difficult call with Reece, who is a fantastic player. He was not going to be available – if everything went perfectly – until the latter stages of the tournament, and there were too many unknowns for us on that road to recovery."
What Potter said: "No miracles. Progressing... progressing well. Reece was outside today having a jog, but nothing to report in terms of anything else.
Expected return date: Bournemouth (H) December 26
N'Golo Kante
Chelsea will be without their French midfielder for a large chunk of the 2022/23 season, possibly even up until his contract expires in the summer, depending on how his recovery from Hamstring surgery goes.
The 31-year-old has struggled with injuries over the last few seasons, and a persistent hamstring issue has seen him feature just twice this season before undergoing an operation on the injury in October, which is likely to keep him out for four months.
What Potter said: "He's got a long road ahead of him, so we've got to make sure we get the right plan and recovery for him."
Expected return date: Southampton (H), February 18.
Ben Chilwell
Chelsea have confirmed that Ben Chilwell is out of the World Cup after he limped off in the final moments of Chelsea's Champions League match against Dinamo Zagreb. He pulled up clutching his hamstring in the fourth minute of added time before being helped off the field by the Blues medical staff after the full-time whistle.
The 25-year-old had just recently recovered from a long-term knee injury but will now miss more action, including England's World Cup campaign, with another injury. He sent an emotional message after the diagnosis was made public.
What Potter said: "It's a blow to see him pull up like that is not a great sight. So fingers crossed that when we get it scanned, it isn't as bad as it can be not severe. We have our fingers crossed at the moment, but obviously, we're disappointed."
Expected return date: Unknown.
Kepa Arrizabalaga
Chelsea's new first-choice keeper was subbed off at half-time against Brighton due to a foot injury and missed the final training session ahead of the win against Dinamo Zagreb. After the game on the south coast, the boss said: "He felt the bottom of his foot, so I don't know, it's too early yet. It was too bad for him to carry on. So that is disappointing for him because he is in a really good moment."
Edouard Mendy continued on in goal against Man City and looks set to continue against Newcastle, with Potter offering an update on the Spaniard's condition.
What Potter said: "Unavailable. [Fit for the World Cup?] We'll see."
"He's got to take it day by day. It's a tear in his plantar fascia, so depending on how he responds to pain and how comfortable he feels. At the moment, not so positive."
READ NEXT:
RB Leipzig confirm major move as Chelsea wait to announce £52.8m Christopher Nkunku transfer
How Chelsea star Conor Gallagher found out he was in Gareth Southgate's England World Cup squad
Roy Hodgson disagrees with Reece James England World Cup squad message after Gareth Southgate move
Who is Paul Winstanley? Brighton's head of recruitment set for Graham Potter Chelsea reunion
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: Latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
