Latest Chelsea Injury News And Expected Return Dates: Updates On Ben Chilwell, Christopher Nkunku And 5 Others
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed that the likes of Malo Gusto, Trevoh Chalobah, Robert Sanchez and Carney Chukwuemeka are back in training.
It means that the injury list has shortened considerably but there are still seven players on the treatment table, including vice-captain Ben Chilwell.
Pochettino has revealed that the knock the left-back sustained on international duty was more serious than initially thought, with the club’s medical staff having to drain fluid from his knee.
However, the reason he has been missing from training this week is illness and he will not be in the matchday squad for the game against Manchester United.
Expected Return Date – Sunday 7th April v Sheffield United
Levi Colwill’s toe injury is set to keep him out of action for at least four more games (including the United fixture on Thursday evening).
The defender had been carrying the problem even before he was forced off during the 2-2 draw against Brentford last month. However, he does hope to be back in contention for the FA Cup semi-final.
Expected Return Date – Saturday 20th April v Manchester City
Pochettino has revealed that Christopher Nkunku’s recovery from a hamstring injury is taking longer than expected.
The Frenchman picked up the issue in the Carabao Cup final versus Liverpool in late February. Initially, his estimated return date was set for the end of the international break but he is still not back in training.
Expected Return Date – Unknown
Lesley Ugochukwu is in a similar situation to Nkunku, having been sidelined with his own hamstring injury since Christmas Eve.
The midfielder was originally pencilled in to return after a few weeks but it has now been just over three months since he last played.
Expected Return Date – Unknown
Reece James is hoping to be back before the end of the season but Pochettino’s recent remarks about his fitness have been rather pessimistic. He underwent an operation on a hamstring injury in late December and he was originally set to make his comeback at some point this month.
It has already been confirmed that Romeo Lavia (thigh) and Wesley Fofana (ACL) won’t play for the Blues again before the end of the campaign.