Chelsea travel to Lille on Wednesday for the second leg of their last-16 Champions League clash against the French champions. The Blues already boast an advantage having won the first fixture 2-0 at Stamford Bridge thanks to goals from Kai Havertz and Christian Pulisic.
However, since the first tie in London owner Roman Abramovich has been hit with a number of sanctions by the UK government, causing concern as to whether Chelsea would have to alter their travel plan for the trip to France. Despite their travails off the pitch, the Blues have been in good form on it.
Chelsea have won their last five Premier League matches in a row, and Sunday’s 1-0 win over Newcastle allowed the club to consolidate third position in the table. And Thomas Tuchel will hope his squad will continue to put their off field problems to one side in order to seal their place in the quarter-finals of the competition.
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However, the west London outfit were without a number of players against the Magpies. With that in mind football.london brings you all the latest injury news ahead of the second leg clash with Lille.
Thiago Silva
There was some confusion as to why the Brazilian was absent from the match day squad for Sunday's clash with Newcastle.
Silva went down a couple of times in last week’s 3-1 win at Norwich but made it through the 90 minutes. As a result of which there was some confusion regarding his fitness after he missed out against the Magpies.
However, football.london understands that the veteran defender was 'rested' and indeed should make a return for this fixture.
Expected return date: Lille (A)- March, 16.
Reece James and Callum Hudson-Odoi
James returned to the starting line-up following a lengthy lay-off in the 4-0 win over Burnley earlier this month.
However, he picked up another injury during the triumph at Turf Moor and missed Sunday’s win over Newcastle, meaning the England star is a doubt for the clash with Lille.
Meanwhile, Hudson-Odoi has been struggling with an Achilles injury and faces a late fitness test.
What Tuchel has said: "With Reece and Callum, we will try to have them join in training later but this will be a very tight race."
Expected return date: Unknown
Cesar Azpilicueta
The Blues skipper was not in the matchday squad for the clash with Newcastle, after he was substituted during last week’s win at Norwich due to sickness.
Azpilicueta has now recovered and is in contention to start against Lille.
What Tuchel has said: “Azpi is ready to start.”
Expected return date: Lille (A) - March, 16.
