Graham Potter has revealed that neither Reece James or Ben Chilwell will be involved against Liverpool on Saturday afternoon despite their presence in first team training. The duo were present on Cobham pitches with their teammates from Wednesday but their return is not a process the Blues are looking to rush.
Chilwell was reintegrated into the squad for the first time since being forced off in added time of Chelsea's win over Dimano Zagree in November, while James joined his teammates after returning to training outdoors ahead of Fulham, as he looks to recover from the injury he picked up against Bournemouth when making his return.
However, Potter will see no players return from injury ahead of the trip to Anfield, with the Blues remaining without nine players through injury in addition to the suspended Joao Felix. He will be able to call upon Chelsea's latest signing in the form of Mykhailo Mudryk however.
READ MORE: PSV boss confirms Noni Madueke to Chelsea transfer ahead of Liverpool
The Blues boss confirmed that Ruben Loftus-Cheek had made good progress in his return after making the bench when Chelsea beat Liverpool however. That could see the midfielder come into contention for some playing time with Potter suggesting that was always unlikely against the Eagles.
The Blues boss said: "I would say no. Ruben [Loftus-Cheek] was on the bench in the last match – but only to be on the bench essentially. He is a lot closer now so can play some minutes. The boys are progressing well. Reece [James] has joined team training but won’t be involved at the weekend. Same for Ben Chilwell. Everybody else is pretty much where we were.”
The weekend's host have been boosted with their availability, however. Jurgen Klopp confirmed that Darwin Nunez was in contention to feature against Chelsea.
READ NEXT:
Chelsea target Noni Madueke explained Man Utd transfer rejection despite Cristiano Ronaldo dream
Why Graham Potter faces a big Champions League dilemma as Chelsea continue January spending
Chelsea handed major boost vs Liverpool as new Premier League ruling comes into play
Find the footballs on the Football.London website to win cash prize, vouchers and TV worth £3,000
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
