Graham Potter could finally receive some good news on the injury front for his defenders, with Kalidou Koulibaly possibly set to return to the Blues matchday squad for the visit of Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League.
Since his arrival in west London, defensive injuries have likely felt like a weekly occurrence for Potter, with Wesley Fofana, Koulibaly and Reece James all being absent of late.
On Monday, there was an update from the club regarding Fofana and James. The defensive duo will continue their rehabilitation programme in Dubai this week, accompanied with a member of the Chelsea medical department.
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But with a dead rubber game in the Champions League to come on Wednesday, Potter is likely to rest some of his valuable assets, while also possibly offering game time to those who are without match sharpness ahead of a crucial Premier League clash with Arsenal at the weekend.
With that being said, football.london has taken a look at the injury concerns Potter faces ahead of Chelsea's clash with Zagreb.
Kalidou Koulibaly
Following the goalless draw with Brentford, Koulibaly suffered a minor injury that has seen him miss the last three games, but in his Brighton pre-match press conference, Potter admitted that Koulibaly has "an outside chance for Wednesday but not for tomorrow."
While Potter may not want to risk the former Napoli defender in the Champions League with nothing serious on the line, he may want to get his match sharpness up before the game against Arsenal or perhaps rest those who have played three games in seven days by playing Koulibaly with the hope of having his other defenders fresh for the London derby.
What Potter said: "Koulibaly, it comes too soon. He's got an outside chance for Wednesday but not for tomorrow."
Expected return date: Dinamo Zagreb (H), November 2nd.
Wesley Fofana
Minimal news has come out regarding Wesley Fofana's knee injury suffered against AC Milan at the start of October that was set to keep him out "for a few weeks".
The Frenchman is now set to travel to Dubai to continue his recovery.
What Potter said: N/A
Expected return date: Bournemouth (H), December 27th.
Thiago Silva
Not only does the news spell good things for Potter but also for 38-year-old defender Thiago Silva who, because of Chelsea's injury problems, has had to play in their last three games, all in the space of seven days.
Potter revealed after the Aston Villa win that Silva would struggle to recover in time for their trip to Brentford three days later and is therefore likely due a rest, especially with Chelsea already through to the knockout stages of the Champions League.
Reece James
Like Fofana, James will be away in Dubai to see a specialist on his knee after hobbling off injured against AC Milan earlier this week.
James was initially thought to be okay, but the knock worsened in the days after the match, and James has been revealed as being out for at least eight weeks. He won't play before the World Cup break but could still make Gareth Southgate's squad.
The eight weeks would take him to the start of December, meaning there is a slight chance he could be fit to play at some point in the knockout stages if his initial recovery goes well. He is currently wearing a protective boot.
What Potter said: N/A
Expected return date: Bournemouth (H), December 27th.
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