Graham Potter hasn't been blessed with the most luck so far at Chelsea. His players have either been unavailable, regaining fitness just to be ruled out or picking up damaging knocks.
This hasn't stopped the new manager picking up impressive results though. He is now five matches unbeaten and has won all the games since the international break after drawing with RB Salzburg. That has included three clean sheets in a row for a run that has elevated Chelsea up their Champions League group and stabilised their Premier League situation.
Up next is a trip to Villa Park to face Steven Gerrard's struggling Aston Villa side, but he will have to do it in a makeshift manor with several big team decisions to make.
Ahead of the game Potter was dealt some serious bad news, and here football.london takes you through the latest updates on the fitness and availability of Chelsea's squad.
Reece James
James hobbled off during the second half of Chelsea's win over AC Milan on Tuesday after colliding with Theo Hernandez. football.london understands that James' knee injury is more severe than first thought, and puts his chances of making the World Cup in huge doubt.
Chelsea released a statement addressing James' injury which reads: "Following the knee injury sustained in our away match against AC Milan, Reece has received treatment from the Chelsea medical department and visited a specialist this weekend.
"After consultation between all parties, Reece will now undergo a rehabilitation programme and is expected to be out for eight weeks."
What Potter said: N/A
Expected return date: December 2022.
Mason Mount
Having been substituted at half time against AC Milan following a brilliant display, Mount didn't train along with the rest of his teammates on Friday due to a thigh strain.
Simon Johnson of the Athletic reports that a scan he had on the injury was fine and that he will be in contention to play against Villa.
What Potter said: N/A
Expected return date: Aston Villa (A), October 16th.
N'Golo Kante
The Frenchman had only just returned to first-team training, but he has suffered a major injury setback. Kante is set to miss around three months of action with a hamstring injury that he picked up during a training session.
What Potter said: "Again he’s due to see a consultant at the weekend. It’s a setback so it’s not good news. But anything other than that, at this stage I can’t give you any more."
Expected return date: January 2023.
Hakim Ziyech
The Moroccan came off the bench in the win over Wolves last weekend, but he did not travel with the squad to Milan. The 29-year-old stayed at home due to feeling unwell.
What Potter said: "Hakim is ill. Hakim has a sore throat. That's why he didn't travel."
Expected return date: Aston Villa (A), October 16.
Wesley Fofana
According to French news outlet L'Equipe, Fofana suffered a sprained knee and is set to miss up to four weeks of action. However, Potter doesn't expect the young centre-back to feature before the World Cup break.
What Potter said: "He is just progressing where he was. I don’t think we will see him before the World Cup."
Expected return date: AFC Bournemouth (H), December 26.
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