Chelsea captain Reece James is “expected to return” against Arsenal this weekend, according to The Athletic.

The fullback has not played since the opening day of the season versus Liverpool two months ago and it remains to be seen whether Mauricio Pochettino will take a risk and start him in the London derby.

Cole Palmer suffered a dead leg whilst playing for England’s Under 21s and he is a doubt for Saturday’s game. His international manager Lee Carsley has opted against playing him versus Ukraine as a precaution.

There is a danger that Wesley Fofana may not play again this campaign. The Frenchman suffered an ACL injury during pre-season and it looks like he could face a whole year on the sidelines.

Injury updates on 9 other Chelsea players

Armando Broja was sent home from international duty by Albania. It is not clear what injury he has suffered but he wasn’t able to play in either game for his country over the past week.

The forward was substituted at half-time during the 4-1 win over Burnley a couple of weeks ago so there is a chance that it is simply a fitness issue, rather than anything more serious.

Benoit Badiashile (hamstring) has been pictured in full training so there is hope that the defender will be in the matchday squad this weekend for the first time this season.

Nicolas Jackson has had minor surgery on his wrist but there is an expectation that he will be fit to face Arsenal. There is less certainty about Axel Disasi who withdrew from the France squad after agitating a thigh muscle injury.

Trevoh Chalobah (hamstring) is tipped to return shortly after the international break, but it will still be some time before we see Romeo Lavia (ankle), Christopher Nkunku (knee), Ben Chilwell (hamstring) Marcus Bettinelli (knee) back in contention.

Watch a recap of Gameweek 8 in the Premier League on Shots! TV here