Chelsea will be without up to four of their players in Saturday's fixture against Everton, with Graham Potter welcoming back a host of key players for the match.
The injury list at Stamford Bridge peaked immediately following the World Cup, with big names being ruled out with long-term problems. However, following their absences, players such as Reece James and Raheem Sterling have both returned and despite recent setbacks are both expected to be fit to play Everton.
James missed the World Cup due to a knee injury and then suffered a setback before returning last month. He then missed this weekend's match vs Leicester through illness, but is expected to return along with Sterling who missed the weekend through hamstring injury.
READ MORE: What Graham Potter did to silence doubters as Chelsea boss makes brutal call on January transfer
A big boost for Potter also comes in the form of the return of N'Golo Kante, with the midfielder having been out of action since the start of the season and missing the World Cup. Last week Potter confirmed his potential Everton return, saying: ""He won’t be – still needs more time to build up. We aiming maybe for Everton. Unfortunately, not for tomorrow."
Mason Mount is also likely to return vs Everton, having missed the match against Leicester despite having returned to training following an injury to his lower abdomen. Potter revealed last week the likely timescale, saying: "Mason’s had a problem with his lower abdomen area, the bone, so he’ll miss the game tomorrow. We hope it won’t be too long but tomorrow will be too soon."
However, despite the good news, the continued absence of Thiago Silva will be cause for concern with the Brazil defender out until April following a knee injury. After the problem emerged at the end of February, Potter confirmed that the 38-year-old would be out for six weeks, saying: "Thiago will be around that time [six weeks], not sure exactly."
There was serious concern for Cesar Azpilicueta when he was stretchered off against Southampton last month, with a concussion later being confirmed by Potter. The Chelsea boss has given a loose timeframe for his recovery, with a March date expected but said last week that protocols had not yet been met, explaining: "Azpi has made progress but is not through protocols after a head injury like that.”
Another player who will is likely to miss Everton is Edouard Mendy, with the goalkeeper having only just returned to training following a finger injury. However, his first choice role appears to have been taken by Kepa Arrizabalaga in his absence and it could take some work to reinstate his role after this injury.
Finally, the main long-term injury concern in the Chelsea squad is Armando Broja, with the striker having been ruled out until next season with a serious knee injury. His likely return from the ACL injury is the start of next season as he hopes to build on the promising start he had made to life as a senior Chelsea player.
READ NEXT:
Mykhailo Mudryk plays new Chelsea role with ease as Christian Pulisic left with cause for concern
New images emerge of bizarre Kai Havertz Chelsea injury after horror Daniel Amartey tackle
Who is Dujuan Richards? Chelsea seal 'pre-contract' transfer for Jamaican goal machine
Chelsea player makes exciting Christian Pulisic comment after Leicester City win
Why Christian Pulisic didn't play for Chelsea vs Leicester City as Graham Potter keeps promise
