Frank Lampard confirmed that Ruben Loftus-Cheek is nursing a back injury following Chelsea's defeat to Brighton. The Blues were without the midfielder as the Seagulls waltzed away from Stamford Bridge 2-1 victors, extending the club's winless streak to six games.
Conor Gallagher broke the deadlock inside the opening quarter of an hour, but, the west Londoners' bright start didn't last long after Danny Welbeck netted an equaliser just minutes before half-time. Julio Enciso then beat Kepa Arrizabalaga from range to claim three huge points.
Chelsea will now set their sights on Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday night. With that said, football.london has rounded up the latest Chelsea injury news ahead of their blockbuster tie against Los Blancos.
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Ruben Loftus-Cheek
Loftus-Cheek was omitted from the squad to face Brighton due to an injury. The midfielder is still yet to feature for Lampard this season after the 44-year-old replaced Graham Potter in the dugout.
What Lampard said: "Ruben - back."
Injury: Back
Expected return date: Unknown
N'Golo Kante
N'Golo Kante played 75 minutes for Chelsea against Real Madrid on Wednesday evening, but the Frenchman was not spotted in the latest round of training pictures from Cobham. An indoor recovery session could be the reason for his absence. He was also absent from the squad which faced Brighton.
Kalidou Koulibaly
Kalidou Koulibaly started in a back three for Chelsea against Real Madrid and after a lung-busting run to track back and deny Rodrygo a chance, the defender pulled up clutching his hamstring. Frank Lampard has now provided the latest update on his injury confirming his absence for this weekend's game against Brighton.
What Lampard said: "No, he won't be available for either game," the 41-year-old said in response to Koulibaly's chances of playing in the next two fixtures.
"A hamstring injury, it will be a matter of weeks rather than days. He's a very good, very experienced player. "It's a disappointment for him and for us, but opportunity and we carry on without him. Hopefully, he gets fit as quick as he can."
Injury: Hamstring
Expected return date: Arsenal (A) May 2
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. He's on the mend now and eyeing a return to the starting lineup.
What Lampard said: N/A
Injury: Concussion
Expected return date: Returned
Edouard Mendy
In January, Chelsea confirmed that Mendy underwent surgery on a fractured finger which he sustained during training. After an extended period of time on the sidelines, the Senegal international appears to be back in contention for selection.
Mendy was the starting goalkeeper under Frank Lampard during his first stint as manager but it remains to be seen whether he replaces Kepa Arrizabalaga in the side before the end of the season.
What Lampard said: N/A
Injury: Finger
Expected return date: Returned
Armando Broja
Chelsea have been without Broja for a while now 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 was a major blow.
Broja has been expected to be out for at least the remainder of the season after learning that he needed surgery to fix a ruptured cruciate ligament in his right knee, football.london reported at the time. However, he's recently been pictured back in individual training at Cobham, albeit mostly gym work.
What Lampard said: N/A
Injury: Knee
Expected return date: Summer 2023
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