Chelsea have been dealt two huge injury blows ahead of the clash with Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.
Graham Potter has confirmed that both Ben Chilwell and Kepa Arrizabalaga are set to miss the London Derby against the Gunners. Potter did clarify that the knock Denis Zakaria suffered in the win over Dinamo Zagreb is nothing serious and that he should be involved in the matchday squad on Sunday.
Mateo Kovacic is also set to be involved after returning to first team training, but Carney Chukwuemeka looks set to miss out along with Chilwell and Kepa. Reece James has stepped up his recovery in Dubai and is ahead of schedule as he aims to be a part of Gareth Southgate's England squad for the World Cup in Qatar later this month.
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Edouard Mendy took Kepa Arrizabalaga's place between the sticks against Zagreb after the Spaniard picked up an injury against Brighton. 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: "He [Chilwell] is going to go for a scan later this afternoon, so we’ll find out how he is then and there will be an update tomorrow.
"He feels ok but obviously aware of the injury. We need to let the swelling settle down, hence the delay with the scan. But we’ll know more after that.
"I wouldn’t say fear the worst; it’s just we all saw the nature of the injury. I can’t say it looks positive. But until we get the scan, it’s difficult to say.
"He’s ok, but I suppose until you get the diagnosis…at the moment we’re just hopeful and fingers crossed. From there we’ll get him back fit and strong. It’s disappointing, of course."
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: "He just got a kick. Just the contact. He was fine. No problems with him."
Expected return date: Arsenal (H), November 6.
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 looks set to continue on in goal up until the break for the World Cup with Potter offering an update on the Spaniard's condition.
What Potter said: "Kepa, no. It's his plantar fascia (foot), so I don't think he will play before the World Cup."
Expected return date: Unknown
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. Kovacic was omitted from the Chelsea squad to face Zagreb but has now returned to training and looks set to be involved in the matchday squad against Arsenal on Sunday.
What Potter said: "[Mateo] Kovacic trained today, so he's in contention."
Expected return date: Arsenal (H), November 6.
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 27.
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 27.
Carney Chukwuemeka
Chukwuemeka was absent for the win against Zagreb and is a doubt ahead of the London Derby against Arsenal this weekend.
What Potter said: "Carney [Chukwuemeka] has a slight issue with his hamstring that we are getting to the bottom of."
Expected return date: Unknown
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