Latest Chelsea Injury News And Expected Return Dates: Updates On Cole Palmer, Reece James And 6 Others
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has denied claims that Cole Palmer is carrying an injury.
The 21-year-old played with bandages on his legs during the 1-0 defeat to Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final on Saturday but, speaking after the match, Pochettino said:
“It’s normal. He’s tired, but I don’t believe he has a problem. We need to check tomorrow, but I hope there’s nothing more wrong than his tiredness.”
Palmer was not substituted at the weekend, which suggests that, if the winger had picked up an issue, it was relatively minor.
Expected Return Date – Tuesday 23rd April v Arsenal
Robert Sanchez was not in the matchday squad for the game against City, with third-choice keeper Marcus Bettinelli taking his place on the bench.
The Spaniard was reportedly suffering from an illness but he is expected to be back in contention for Chelsea’s next fixture.
Expected Return Date – Tuesday 23rd April v Arsenal
Christopher Nkunku has been back in light training over the past week or so, following a hamstring injury.
Pochettino has said that they are being careful with the Frenchman’s recovery, as they try to prevent any further setbacks. The attacking midfielder last played in the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool in late February.
Expected Return Date – Sunday 5th May v West Ham
Captain Reece James has taken to Instagram in recent days to provide an update on his fitness situation.
The fullback underwent surgery on a hamstring injury back in late December and it was estimated he would be sidelined for four months. He is due to return imminently but he has spoken out to say:
“I’ve been gone a while but I’m doing well. Really well. The journey has been long and tough but nothing I couldn’t handle. I’m in a good place, the comeback is on, more hungry than ever. Stay well in the meantime and see u soon.”
That does suggest that James won’t be making his return in the next few games. England manager Gareth Southgate has hinted that it is touch and go whether he will play again before the season finishes.
Expected Return Date – Saturday 11th May v Nottingham Forest
Pochettino provided an update on Leskey Ugochukwu’s fitness before the win over Everton stating the midfielder could return to training within a “few weeks”. The 19-year-old has not made an appearance since the defeat to Wolves on Christmas Eve due to a serious hamstring injury.
Expected Return Date – Saturday 11th May v Nottingham Forest
Romeo Lavia and Wesley Fofana have been ruled out of Chelsea’s remaining fixtures this campaign. Lavia hasn’t played since making his debut against Crystal Palace earlier this year due to a thigh problem. Fofana has not played a single minute over the course of this season after picking up an ACL injury back in July.
Expected Return Date – Next Season
Chelsea defender Levi Colwill has been trying to get back to fitness after sustaining a toe injury against Brentford back in early March.
It was hoped that he would make his comeback against Manchester City in the FA Cup but he is still undergoing treatment.