Graham Potter has been handed two huge blows ahead of Chelsea's blockbuster clash with Arsenal on Sunday afternoon. In the Blues' clash with Dinamo Zagreb, Ben Chilwell pulled up with a hamstring injury and Denis Zakaria was brought off amid a suspected knock.
The latter impressed on his debut for the west Londoners and looked at home alongside Jorginho in midfield. The severity of the Swiss' knock is yet to be revealed but he certainly gave Potter a good headache ahead of the weekend.
N'Golo Kante remains out for some time and Mateo Kovacic is a doubt after missing the final Champions League group stage clash. Edouard Mendy took Kepa Arrizabalaga's place between the sticks against Zagreb after the Spaniard picked up an injury against Brighton.
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So, with that being said, football.london has taken a look at the injuries that Potter must contend with ahead of Chelsea's clash with Arsenal.
Ben Chilwell
Chelsea defender Ben Chilwell could be a huge doubt for 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 could now miss more action including England's World Cup campaign with another injury.
What Potter said: "It doesn’t look positive but it is a hamstring. So, we will have to scan it and see how it is."
Expected return date: Unknown.
Denis Zakaria
Zakaria was brought off for Ruben Loftus-Cheek in the second-half of Chelsea's clash with Dinamo Zagreb. The midfielder had enjoyed a superb debut under the lights at Stamford Bridge which was unfortunately brought to a premature end.
He was seen to perch himself down on the floor after seemingly feeling discomfort in his right leg. Upon being hoisted up by the Blues' medical team, the Switzerland international clutched at the side of his upper thigh.
After walking around the pitch with little to no aid from the medical staff, Zakaria beelined towards the dressing room hinting that a knock is the reason for his substitution.
What Potter said: N/A
Expected return date: Arsenal (H), November 6th.
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 game. 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 was always likely to play the game due to its lessened importance anyway, but he is now all but certain to play.
What Potter said: "Kepa won't be available for the game. Slight issue with his plantar fascia. Looking at probably days but certainly not for the game tomorrow."
Expected return date: Arsenal (H), November 6th.
Kalidou Koulibaly
The Senegalese defender has missed Chelsea's matches since injuring himself late on against Brentford and played no part in the victory over RB Salzburg or the loss to Brighton.
What Potter said: "He will, provided there's no reaction. He trained today, so he was fine. He's available and in the squad tomorrow."
Expected return date: Dinamo Zagreb (H), November 2nd.
Mateo Kovacic
The Serbian has been playing through a pain barrier for a number of weeks and started against Brighton, playing 90 minutes in the process.
What Potter said: "It's just precautionary with his calf. He's got a chance for the game tomorrow. We'll make the decision later on."
Expected return date: Arsenal (H), November 6th.
Wesley Fofana
Minimal news has come out regarding Wesley Fofana's knee injury suffered against AC Milan at the start of October that was set to keep him out 'for a few weeks'. The Frenchman is now set to travel to Dubai to continue his recovery.
What Potter said: N/A
Expected return date: Bournemouth (H), December 27th.
Reece James
Like Fofana, James will be away in Dubai to see a specialist on his knee after hobbling off injured against AC Milan earlier this week.
James was initially thought to be okay, but the knock worsened in the days after the match, and James has been revealed as being out for at least eight weeks. He won't play before the World Cup break but could still make Gareth Southgate's squad.
The eight weeks would take him to the start of December, meaning there is a slight chance he could be fit to play at some point in the knockout stages if his initial recovery goes well. He is currently wearing a protective boot.
What Potter said: N/A
Expected return date: Bournemouth (H), December 27th.
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