Graham Potter begins the start of what some are calling a "make or break" week when the Blues host Leeds United. Reports during the week have suggested co-owner Todd Boehly could run out of patience if a poor result on Saturday is followed up by a disappointing exit from the Champions League on Tuesday.
However, Potter is staring down yet another injury challenge since arriving at the club in September, as stalwart defender Thiago Silva faces a spell on the sidelines during this pivotal period. The Brazilian was subbed off with a knee injury in the Premier League clash against Tottenham last weekend, with the manager later revealing: "Thiago will be around that time [six weeks], not sure exactly."
Potter also revealed on Friday that two more first-team hopefuls are likely to join Silva in watching from the sidelines at Stamford Bridge. Mason Mount, who has struggled to break into the starting XI in recent weeks but was handed a cameo against Spurs from the bench, is expected to miss out having sustained a problem with his lower abdomen.
READ MORE: Reece James, Mason Mount, Thiago Silva: Chelsea injury news and return dates before Leeds clash
Elsewhere, right-back Reece James, who has only recently come back from a lengthy knee injury, is a doubt, with Potter explaining: "Reece [James] has a tightness in his hamstring; we are assessing him but he’s doubtful for tomorrow as well." While the Leeds match is expected to be too soon for N'Golo Kante, Christian Pulisic could find himself in the matchday squad having suffered a knee injury against Manchester City at the start of the year.
After sustaining a concussion against Southampton, Cesar Azpilicueta will also miss out with more time needed for his recovery. They will join long-term absentees Edouard Mendy and Armando Broja in being given a watching brief.
Meanwhile, Mateo Kovacic has recovered from an illness that saw him miss the defeat to Spurs. With that said, here is the full list of players Potter can choose his matchday squad from.
Goalkeepers : Kepa Arrizabalaga, Marcus Bettinelli, Lucas Bergstrom.
Defenders : Benoit Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah, Ben Chilwell, Kalidou Koulibaly, Marc Cucurella, Wesley Fofana.
Midfielders : Enzo Fernandez, Mateo Kovacic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Denis Zakaria, Conor Gallagher, Carney Chukwuemeka, Christian Pulisic, Lewis Hall.
Forwards : Joao Felix, Mykhailo Mudryk, Hakim Ziyech, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, David Datro Fofana, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Raheem Sterling.
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