Chelsea face a pivotal fixture in the hopes of continuing their recent upturn in form as they take on Leicester City in Premier League action. The Blues have beaten Leeds and Borussia Dortmund in the last week and a win against the Foxes will go a long way in determining whether or not Graham Potter's men can start an unbeaten streak.
Despite a slight turn in fortunes for results, there were more negative than positive updates regarding injuries from the Chelsea head coach in his press conference yesterday (Friday). With Thiago Silva and long-term absentee Armando Broja definitely out of tomorrow's game, an important trio of names could also miss the contest.
Potter also offered an update on N'Golo Kante, who returned to full first-team training last week, where he named the game he hopes to see the Frenchman make his return in.
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So, with that being said, football.london takes you through the latest injury news ahead of Chelsea's clash with Leicester City.
Reece James
James returned to the Chelsea team for the clash against Borussia Dortmund after missing the weekend victory over Leeds with tightness in his hamstring. The full-back will now miss another Premier League game this weekend through illness.
What Potter has said: "Reece [James] has been ill so hasn’t trained today. He won’t make the game tomorrow."
Injury: Illness
Expected return date: Everton (H) March 18
Raheem Sterling
After scoring a crucial goal against Borussia Dortmund, Sterling could be set for another brief spell out of the team with Potter confirming the winger has a fresh fitness concern.
What Potter has said: "Raheem [Sterling] has had a little feeling in his hamstring, tightness if anything, so he's looking doubtful."
Injury: hamstring
Expected return date: Everton (H) - Saturday, March 18.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
The chances of Aubameyang winning a spot back in the Chelsea team have taken another hit with the veteran forward suffering from a problem in his back.
What Potter has said: "[Pierre-Emerick] Aubameyang has a slight problem with his back and he's looking likely he will miss the game."
Injury: Back
Expected return date: Everton (H) - Saturday, March 18.
Mason Mount
Mason Mount has struggled to break into the first-team in recent weeks but he was handed a cameo against Tottenham from the bench. The midfielder then missed out against Leeds United after suffering with an issue in his lower abdomen.
He was also absent from the matchday squad which locked horns with Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, though that was due to suspension. The midfielder returned to training on Thursday as his side prepare for a huge clash against Leicester City on Saturday.
What Potter said: "Mason’s had a problem with his lower abdomen area, the bone, so he’ll miss the game tomorrow [against Leeds]. We hope it won’t be too long but tomorrow will be too soon."
Injury: Lower abdomen
Expected return date: Leicester (A) - Saturday, March 11.
N'Golo Kante
Kante, who sees his contract at Chelsea expire in the summer, is yet to feature under Potter after suffering a hamstring injury against Tottenham in August. The midfielder has recently returned to first-team training but is yet to be included on the team sheet.
It remains to be seen exactly how long it will take for him to return to full fitness but his return will be a hugely welcome boost.
What Potter said: "He won’t be – still needs more time to build up. We aiming maybe for Everton. Unfortunately, not for tomorrow."
Injury: Hamstring
Expected Return date: Everton (H) - Saturday, March 18.
Cesar Azpilicueta
Azpilicueta sustained a concussion against Southampton following a collision with striker Sekou Mara. The defender left the pitch on a stretcher and was taken to hospital but he's on the mend now as he eyes a return. He was at the stadium against Tottenham but not as part of the matchday squad.
Both Leeds and Dortmund were also too soon for the Chelsea captain, with more time needed before the defender can return. He watched the game at Stamford Bridge from the stands.
What Potter said: "Azpi [Cesar Azpilicueta] has made progress but is not through protocols after a head injury like that.”
Injury: Concussion
Expected return date: March
Thiago Silva
Silva was forced off with a knee injury in the Blues' clash with Tottenham. The following Tuesday, Chelsea released a statement detailing his diagnosis.
"Having sustained a knee injury during the first half of Sunday’s match against Tottenham Hotspur, Thiago underwent further assessment and a scan on his return to the training centre on Monday.
"Scan results from those assessments have confirmed damage to Thiago’s knee ligaments and he will now work closely with the club’s medical department during his rehabilitation to return to action as soon as possible."
The time off has been detailed as roughly six weeks, meaning he would return to action in early April. His wife has since posted a video of him getting treated at their home, writing on Instagram: "The needles are on top of the ligament, emitting shocks due to use, it hurts so much."
What Potter said: "Thiago will be around that time [six weeks], not sure exactly."
Injury: Knee
Expected return date: April
Edouard Mendy
Chelsea confirmed early in January that Mendy had undergone an operation on a fractured finger sustained during training, meaning that he would be absent from the squad for some time. The Senegalese shot-stopper was expected to miss at least six weeks and has recently returned to training at Cobham.
What Potter said: "Mendy’s making progress but he's not yet joined full training with the group."
Injury: Finger
Expected return date: Late March to April
Armando Broja
Chelsea are set to be without Broja until at least the summer months, after the striker suffered a knee injury in a mid-season friendly against Aston Villa. The 20-year-old screamed in pain following a collision with Ezri Konsa and he was subsequently stretchered off the field of play.
He looked to be in considerable pain and was seen to be clutching his leg as he was tended to by medical staff. The Albania international had no history of knee injuries and his injury is a major blow with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang out of favour at present.
Broja is expected to be out for at least the remainder of the season after learning that he needs surgery to fix a ruptured cruciate ligament in his right knee, football.london understands.
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: Summer/Autumn 2023
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