Graham Potter's Chelsea side face a short trip to west London rivals Fulham on Thursday for their next Premier League fixture. The game comes at a time that has proved testing for the Blues and their manager after losing to Manchester City twice last week.
Sitting 10th in the league and behind Marco Silva's Cottagers at this stage of the season was not part of the grand plan for the campaign and pressure has mounted as a result. With a large group of players out injured it has been a disjointed side taking to the field and performances have suffered in accordance.
No such excuses will be permitted for a game against local rivals though and Potter has been able to call on some small moments of positivity. Speaking ahead of the game he said, "To see the guys out there, it gives everyone a lift.”
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Here, football.london takes a look at the latest from the Chelsea treatment room.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek
The midfielder joined his team-mates in training for the first time since November on Tuesday (December 10) so it's unlikely he'll feature against Fulham. Having been deployed in a number of different positions so far this season, Potter will have missed the versatility that Loftus-Cheek brings to the Chelsea side.
What Potter said: “They’re making progress. Ruben [Loftus-Cheek] is getting closer."
Injury: Calf
Expected return date: Mid-to-late January
Raheem Sterling
Sterling was replaced by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang inside the opening couple of minutes in Chelsea's Premier League clash with City. The 28-year-old winger fell to the floor with a grimace on his face following a collision with John Stones.
The Athletic reported on Friday that the forward is set for a scan on his hamstring to understand the extent of the injury he has suffered and understandably, Sterling was not named in the 18-man squad that travelled to his old stomping ground on Sunday, with Potter giving a brief update on the summer signing.
His second scan is believed to have shown worse damage than first thought though.
What Potter said:. "Raheem less but we’re still evaluating the extent of it. Hopefully less than that, though."
Injury: Hamstring
Expected return date: Unknown
Christian Pulisic
Pulisic was also subbed off with an injury last week coming off worse in a tackle by John Stones. The United States international was visibly distressed as he went down twice following the challenge.
He was eventually replaced by Carney Chukwuemeka and also was absent from the matchday squad for the FA Cup clash against City. He is set for another lengthy spell on the sidelines.
What Potter said: "Christian is a couple of months we think, hopefully, less, but that’s the timeframe."
Injury: Knee
Expected return date: Unknown
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Aubameyang was a noticeable absentee from the Chelsea squad for the Blues' FA Cup third round fixture against Manchester City.
The former Arsenal captain was subbed off just past the hour mark in the league clash with City after being called off the bench in place of the injured Sterling. He is set for a return in the west London derby though.
What Potter said: “Pierre is fine and he’ll be in the squad for the game."
Injury: Back
Expected return date: Fulham (A) - Thursday, January 12
Edouard Mendy
Chelsea confirmed on Saturday that Mendy had undergone an operation on a fractured finger sustained during training this week, meaning he will be absent from the squad in the coming games.
The Senegalese shot-stopper missed the Bournemouth match and didn't even make the bench against Forest. He had previously come back from international duty in October with an injury but played for his club since then despite being replaced as No1 by Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Injury: Finger
Expected return date: Unknown
Reece James
Pulling up against Bournemouth, James has suffered a further injury after the defender missed the World Cup in Qatar. James has posted an image of himself and N'Golo Kante in recovery though, boosting Chelsea fans' mood in the new year with the caption: "On the mend."
What Potter said: "Reece [James] was out on the grass today, not training with the team but on his own.
Injury: Knee
Expected return date: Mid-February
Wesley Fofana
Having missed most of the season so far, former Leicester man Wesley Fofana's influence at the back has been somewhat felt in his absence. Kalidou Koulibaly and Thiago Silva have performed well, but the Frenchman will be keen to return to action soon.
What Potter said: ''Wesley had a little setback, which can sometimes happen at the very last stage of rehab, so he will be [out for] a couple of weeks."
Injury: Knee
Expected return date: Early February
N'Golo Kante
Having also missed the World Cup, 2018 winners France fell at the final hurdle, with some hinting that N'Golo Kante's influence may have been missed in midfield.
What Potter said: "N’Golo did his first couple of days out training on his own but there is still a long, long way to go."
Injury: Thigh
Expected return date: Mid-February
Ben Chilwell
Again have missed large parts of the Blues season, fellow defender Ben Chilwell will be keen to get back fit and help Chelsea's chances of claiming a place in the top four this season.
What Potter said: "Ben [Chilwell] is getting closer."
Injury: Thigh
Expected return date: February
Armando Broja
Having pulled up nastily in the side's mid-season friendly against Aston Villa, Armando Broja could be heard reeling in pain as his knee injury more than definitely curtailed his 22/23 season. Having made quite the impression under Potter, it was a sad blow for the former Southampton loanee.
What Potter said: ''It was just an unfortunate action. He got caught up with their player and the ground. It doesn’t look positive at the moment but it’s too early to say. Fingers crossed but it is an awkward one.''
Injury: Knee
Expected return date: Late 2023
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