Chelsea continued their unbeaten run under Graham Potter with an impressive 3-0 win against AC Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Despite the Blues picking up their first win in the group stage as they look to progress into the latter stages of Europe's elite club competition, Potter suffered a major blow ahead of a busy period of fixtures with summer signing Wesley Fofana suffering a knee injury. Many first team players are set to return for the clash against Wolves at the weekend, but Fofana is set to miss key matches against Manchester United and Premier League leaders Arsenal early next month.
Fofana was seen leaving Stamford Bridge on crutches, but fears that he could be out for an extended period of time have been eased following the latest reports from France. N'Golo Kante looks set to miss out on Potter's first Premier League home game in charge after failing to make the matchday squad against Milan in the week, but the likes of Jorginho and Kai Havertz look ready to return to action.
READ MORE: Graham Potter's key task to avoid Ben Chilwell repeat as Chelsea await Wesley Fofana injury news
So, with that being said, football.london has looked at the injury concerns the newly-appointed boss faces ahead of the weekend.
Wesley Fofana
Wesley Fofana hobbled off injured in the first half of Chelsea's Champions League group stage clash with AC Milan after the defender opened the scoring for the Blues at Stamford Bridge. The 21-year-old was seen leaving the stadium on crutches after the game, but fears that Fofana had suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury were wide of the mark, with the £75million man only having sustained a sprained knee during a clash with transfer target Rafael Leao.
The Portugal international was chasing down the Frenchman before he fell to the floor, clutching his knee. Fofana soldiered on for a few moments before eventually falling to the ground, signalling to be brought off.
According to French news outlet L'Equipe, Fofana suffered a sprained knee and is set to miss up to four weeks of action. Daily Telegraph journalist Matt Law has also confirmed the news that the French centre-back will be fit again before the 2022 World Cup in November.
Expected return date: November 2022
Marc Cucurella
It has been revealed why Graham Potter omitted Marc Cucurella from the Chelsea squad, which travelled to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace. The Spaniard, who previously worked closely with the former Brighton boss at the Amex Stadium, started in the 47-year-old's debut as Blues head coach, which saw the west Londoners share a point with RB Salzburg in the Champions League group stage.
It was thought that Cucurella would keep his place in the side in the clash against Patrick Vieira's side. But, after picking up an illness, Potter was left with no choice but to leave the 24-year-old out.
According to DiMarzio journalist Nathan Gissing, Cucurella missed the London derby due to a throat problem. But, the Spaniard has since returned to action and featured on the bench versus AC Milan.
Expected return date: Wolves (H) - Saturday, October 8
N'Golo Kante
Chelsea released eagerly-anticipated footage of Kante in training ahead of the Palace clash. But, the Frenchman did not travel to Selhurst Park as the midfielder nears a return to competitive action.
Didier Deschamps left the 31-year-old out of his France squad for fixtures against Austria and Denmark in the international break, allowing time for him to work on his fitness. Kante is still not match-ready after missing the game against Milan.
Despite being considered a key player at Stamford Bridge, Kante is out of contract at the end of the season and will be able to negotiate a free transfer in January. It's believed that fitness issues have not deterred potential suitors.
What has been said: "NG is training more and more. Not fully, but getting closer. That is really positive. That's about it, I think."
Expected return date: Unknown
Edouard Mendy
Potter has opted for Kepa Arrizabalaga over Edouard Mendy in recent games. The Senegal international was sidelined in the final match of Thomas Tuchel's tenure due to injury. He has missed each of the Blues' last four games due to a combination of a knee injury and the chance to give the Spaniard an opportunity to impress under new management.
Though, it should be pointed out that Mendy may not be Potter's first-choice shot-stopper, with Kepa's ball-playing ability possibly being a key factor in the fight for the No.1 spot. Should the Senegal star feature against Wolves at the weekend, it will be his 100th appearance for Chelsea, during which he has kept 49 clean sheets.
What Potter has said: "Eddie has trained with the team for the last few days, so is making progress. So he will be in the squad, which is great news for us because it's important to have as much competition for places as we can. So it's great to have him back."
Expected return date: Wolves (H) - Saturday, October 8
Jorginho
The Italian midfielder was hooked in the second half's early stages against Crystal Palace. He struggled with the pace and tempo of the game and picked up an abdominal injury in the process.
The 30-year-old was brought on against Milan midweek, but following the impressive performances of Mateo Kovacic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, a start may be hard to come by.
What Potter said: "Jorgi felt a little discomfort in his abdominal area against Crystal Palace but has trained today, so we'll see how he reacts to that, and we'll take a decision later today."
Expected return date: Wolves (H) - Saturday, October 8
Kai Havertz
Another casualty is Kai Havertz, who netted two over the international break against England in the Nations League. He completed 75 minutes before he was brought off versus Crystal Palace for who turned out to be the eventual match winner Conor Gallagher.
The German featured off the bench against Milan, and it seems there's players higher on the pecking order at the moment.
What Potter said: "Kai [Havertz] had a little feeling as well, but he trained today."
Expected return date: Wolves (H) - Saturday, October 8
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