Mauricio Pochettino could see his Chelsea injury list halved over the international break before a London Derby against Arsenal. The Blues head in to the two-week break off the back of consecutive away wins in the Premier League with the 2-0 triumph over Fulham followed up by a dominant 4-1 against Burnley.
The main doubts heading into the game surrounded Mykhailo Mudryk after the 22-year-old picked up a minor quad injury in the clash at Craven Cottage. Mudryk was named in the squad at Turf Moor to give Pochettino another boost after Benoit Badiashile, Reece James and Carney Chukwuemeka with the latter returning to a matchday squad for the first time in over a month.
Although those boosts were welcome for Pochettino, a major blow could have been suffered with Cole Palmer looking to have suffered a hamstring after scoring his first goal for the club. With that said, football.london has rounded up the latest Chelsea injury news ahead of the international break.
Cole Palmer
After scoring his first goal for Chelsea, Cole Palmer was withdrawn with what looked to be a potential hamstring injury, although Pochettino will be hoping it was just cramp or muscle fatigue.
Mykhailo Mudryk
A minor quad injury saw Mykhailo Mudryk subbed off against Fulham and despite recovering from that issue, Pochettino admitted he did not want to take a risk by starting him against Burnley. The Ukraine international did come on for the final seven minutes.
What Pochettino said: “He is fully recovered now but we felt we shouldn’t take a risk with him, so he starts on the bench with the potential to come on and make an impact for us.”
Ben Chilwell
When he came off injured against Brighton, reports suggested he could face a month on the sidelines. Pochettino admitted he is unsure when the left-back will return to action at his presser yesterday.
What Pochettino said: “It is difficult. I am no doctor and I cannot tell you what you are asking me. I think it is about judging day by day and we cannot say the period he will be out.
Reece James
After waiting since the first day of the season for him to return from injury, the 23-year-old is back – but cannot feature at Burnley due to suspension. James was given a retrospective one-game ban after being found guilty of abusing an official during Chelsea’s 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa.
Pochettino is looking forward to getting him back on the team sheet. He said: “I think he was training with the group and he is suspended for tomorrow. I think yes (whether he will be back soon), we are really happy with his recovery and, after his injury, he is doing well.
What Pochettino said: “I hope after the international break he will be available. Sorry, he is available but after he is suspended, he could have the opportunity to be involved.”
Possible return date: Arsenal (H) – Saturday, October 21
Wesley Fofana
Fofana is the casualty on this list set to face the longest spell on the sidelines. The defender ruptured his ACL and should miss most of the 23-24 campaign.
Possible return date: April 2024
Christopher Nkunku
Yet to play a competitive game for the Blues, Nkunku is not expected to return until the new year. When he does, the Frenchman should add some much-needed impetus to Chelsea’s frontline.
Nkunku was one of the most in-demand forwards in Europe when the Blues lured him to Stamford Bridge in the summer. Getting him back in contention could prove key to rescuing the Blues’ season.
Possible return date: January 2024
Benoit Badiashile
Another who is yet to play for Chelsea this season, the defender has been sorely missed in the opening seven games. Thiago Silva has come under scrutiny and will likely make way for the 22-year-old when he returns.
There is a possibility he could feature against Burnley at the weekend.
Possible return date: Burnley
Trevoh Chalobah
Chalobah has not been seen since suffering an injury in pre-season. However, there are hopes he could return at Turf Moor.
Possible return date: Burnley
Lavia continues the theme of big-money signings who have not made their debut for the club due to his ankle tear suffered while on international duty. Ironically, the upcoming break may provide him the opportunity to make steps towards a recovery.
What Pochettino said: “I don’t believe (whether Lavia will play at Burnley). I cannot tell you but he is still not running. After the international break, he will not be back.”
Possible return date: November
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