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Josh Holland

Fofana, Sterling, Mount: Chelsea injury news and return dates ahead of international break

Chelsea will be hoping to avoid any further injury concerns over the international break. The Blues have been unfortunate with the number of injuries this season but have welcomed back key players in recent weeks.

One player who has regained fitness and made a good impression is Wesley Fofana. The defender returned to Graham Potter's side in February before replacing Thiago Silva as a mainstay in the defensive line this month.

However, the Frenchman will now miss out on earning his first senior cap for Didier Deschamps' side after the French Football Federation confirmed he had withdraw from the squad due to injury - alongside Arsenal's William Saliba

READ MORE: Chelsea handed Wesley Fofana injury fear after France decision made

Despite Fofana's blow, Chelsea did welcome back N'Golo Kante back to the matchday squad for the 2-2 draw with Everton. The midfielder will be hoping to return to action after the break.

Here, football.london rounds up all the latest injury news at Stamford Bridge as the Blues face two weeks without competitive action.

Wesley Fofana

After Potter revealed Fofana had been taken off due to fatigue, it has become clear the defender has picked up another injury.

Fofana was spotted in the dugout at Stamford Bridge with an ice pack on his right thigh, leaving some Blues supporters to fear the worst. He will now remain in England and look to make a return against Aston Villa.

What Potter has said: "Wes Fofana had to come off with fatigue, as he has had a long time out. He was feeling his hamstring. Wes was fantastic and defended well."

Injury: Hamstring

Expected return date: Unknown

Raheem Sterling

After scoring a crucial goal against Borussia Dortmund, Sterling has faced another brief spell out of the team with Potter confirming the winger had a fresh fitness concern. He was also left out of Gareth Southgate's England squad for the March internationals as a precaution.

What Potter has said: "Raheem has a problem with his hamstring. It's not too serious but he'll miss the game at the weekend and the international trip."

Injury: Hamstring

Expected return date: April

Mason Mount

Mason Mount has missed a number of games after suffering with an issue in his lower abdomen. Mount has been in and out of training, but returned on Tuesday along with a number of other teammates, although Potter claimed he will also not play for England despite receiving a call-up.

What Potter said: "It's the same with Mason. He'll miss the England camp as well."

Injury: Lower abdomen

Expected return date: April

Edouard Mendy

Chelsea confirmed early in January that Mendy had undergone an operation on a fractured finger sustained during training, meaning that he would be absent from the squad for some time. The Senegalese shot-stopper was expected to miss at least six weeks and has featured in individual training.

Mendy finally made his return to training on Tuesday, pictured alongside his fellow goalkeepers Kepa Arrizabalaga and Marcus Bettinelli.

Injury: Finger

Expected return date: Late March/April

Cesar Azpilicueta

Azpilicueta sustained a concussion against Southampton following a collision with striker Sekou Mara. The defender left the pitch on a stretcher and was taken to hospital but he's on the mend now as he eyes a return. He was at the stadium against Tottenham but not as part of the matchday squad.

Both Dortmund and Leicester were also too soon for the Chelsea captain, with more time needed before he can return. Potter then revealed he suffered a setback ahead of Chelsea's match against Everton which ruled him out of the matchday squad.

What Potter said: "Azpilicueta had a knock in training, he's had a problem there."

Injury: Concussion

Expected return date: April

Thiago Silva

Silva was forced off with a knee injury in the Blues' clash with Tottenham. The following Tuesday, Chelsea released a statement detailing his diagnosis.

The time off has been detailed as roughly six weeks, meaning he should return to action in early April. His wife has since posted a video of him getting treated at their home, writing on Instagram: "The needles are on top of the ligament, emitting shocks due to use, it hurts so much."

What Potter said: "Thiago will be around that time [six weeks], not sure exactly."

Injury: Knee

Expected return date: April

Armando Broja

Chelsea are set to be without Broja until at least the summer months, after the striker suffered a knee injury in a mid-season friendly against Aston Villa. The 20-year-old screamed in pain following a collision with Ezri Konsa and he was subsequently stretchered off the field of play.

He looked to be in considerable pain and was seen to be clutching his leg as he was tended to by medical staff. The Albania international had no history of knee injuries and his injury is a major blow.

Broja is expected to be out for at least the remainder of the season after learning that he needs surgery to fix a ruptured cruciate ligament in his right knee, football.london understands.

What Potter said: ''It was just an unfortunate action. He got caught up with their player and the ground. It doesn’t look positive at the moment but it’s too early to say. Fingers crossed but it is an awkward one.''

Injury: Knee

Expected return date: Summer/Autumn 2023

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