Chelsea will look to return to winning ways when they host European football-chasing Wolves on Saturday, where three points is desperately needed in order to avoid a shock fallout from the Premier League ’s top four this season.
Thomas Tuchel was without N’Golo Kante for the 1-0 defeat at Everton on Sunday, while Jorginho had to be substituted during that game, as the Italian’s injury problems continued, and he is now sweating over the fitness of the pair ahead of this weekend.
Here is all you need to know about the current state of play at Stamford Bridge and the expected return dates for those who are out on the sidelines.
Jorginho
Chelsea midfielder Jorginho had to be taken off at half-time of his side’s shock defeat to Everton last weekend due to injury, although it has yet to be confirmed as to what he was struggling with at Goodison Park.
It is unclear as to whether the decision was made due to precautionary reasons or if it was for something more serious, and it is therefore currently unknown if the Italian will be fit enough to be in contention for Saturday’s clash with Wolves.
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N’Golo Kante
N’Golo Kante was a surprise omission from Chelsea’s match day squad to face Everton on Sunday but the midfielder was injured and therefore not fit enough to be in contention to face the Toffees for the 1-0 defeat.
The Frenchman managed 82 minutes of the 1-1 draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford just three days before, but Tuchel revealed that he was suffering from pain from a minor injury following that game. However, it is hoped that Kante will make a full recovery to feature against Wolves.
Speaking on Monday, Tuchel said: "He went off at Old Trafford and still has pain. A minor injury. Hopefully, he's back in the next match but not today."
Andreas Christensen
Defender Andreas Christensen missed his third consecutive Chelsea game on Sunday since being forced off at half-time of the 4-2 defeat to Arsenal on April 20, lasting just 45 minutes of the contest, as he continues to struggle with illness.
The Dane has been struggling with stomach cramps, but was aiming to have returned by now, yet things haven’t gone to plan. However, the centre back has returned to training and is hoping to be fit enough to feature once again this weekend.
On Sunday, Christensen said: “I’m doing good and feeling fresh again after illness. My energy levels weren’t there [on Thursday] so we made the decision for me to stay at home. Now I’m training with the team again and hopefully I’ll be fit enough to play."
Ross Barkley
Ross Barkley has been out of action for Chelsea since missing the game against Man Utd last Thursday through illness, yet it has not been specified as to what he is struggling with.
The midfielder last featured for the Blues in the 2-0 defeat of Brentford in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals on December 22, but has been named in a number of matchday squads since, including Chelsea’s last two games prior to the beginning of his absence at Old Trafford.
The 28-year-old should have made a full recovery by now and will be hoping to return to the Chelsea squad once again this weekend, especially if Jorginho and Kante are both out of action.
Callum Hudson-Odoi
Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi has been out of action since starting in the 3-2 victory over Luton Town in the FA Cup Fifth Round on March 2, before picking up an Achilles injury following his involvement in that match, which was followed by some lower back problems.
The 21-year-old has been ruled out of action ever since, while Tuchel confirmed last month that he was yet to join in with first team training. The German also confirmed that he won’t be rushed back, meaning he will remain absent for the foreseeable future.
Speaking on April 19, Tuchel said: “With Callum, we take things day by day and week by week but it is not possible for him to join in with team training just yet. We will not rush him either."
Ben Chilwell
Left-back Ben Chilwell remains out for the season after undergoing surgery for a torn ACL back in December, with his last appearance coming in the 4-0 victory over Juventus in the Champions League group stage that month.
The England international has begun his rehabilitation and stepped up his recovery in recent weeks, while Tuchel confirmed last month that he will begin training with the youth team, with the hope that he can link up with the rest of the squad by the end of the season.
Speaking on April 19, Tuchel said: "Ben will be able to join in team training with the youth, this will be his next step in the weeks and hopefully, he can join our training at the end of the season."
