It has been an international break to forget for Mauricio Pochettino and Chelsea so far with near daily injury worries sprouting. It’s nothing new given the way the season has started at Stamford Bridge but as the manager looks to build on some much needed momentum it is still a big problem.
The Blues welcome Arsenal to Stamford Bridge on October 21, the first game back after players return from international duty, and Pochettino will be needing his players to be on top form. The Gunners are already nine points ahead at this stage of the season and sit in second courtesy of only goals scored.
Mikel Arteta’s men have also had the better of this fixture in recent years and will be coming in full of confidence after beating Manchester City last time out. They have their own fitness worries to contend with but it doesn’t yet scratch the surface of the spate of problems at SW6.
Mykhailo Mudryk
Mudryk was substituted off whilst playing for Ukraine just moments after receiving treatment for an injury late in the game. Mudryk went off in the 88th minute with his team 1-0 having impressed against North Macedonia but is now a fresh doubt. It is not yet clear how serious the knock may be or if he was taken off for tactical reasons.
Possible return date: Arsenal (H) – October 21
Armando Broja
The Albanian striker was called up for his country after making his first three appearances following nine months out with a knee injury. His first start came last week against Fulham and was followed with 45 minutes more away to Burnley.
Broja has since left his country’s camp though with manager Sylvinho handing a worry to Pochettino after Broja’s progress was managed so carefully.
What has been said: “As for Broja, I have to give bad news. He was with the team for only two days. After consulting with our doctors and Chelsea’s, he can’t make it, he won’t be ready for tomorrow. We have other players to evaluate.”
Possible return date: Arsenal (H) – October 21
Cole Palmer
Palmer appeared to suffer a knock to his thigh during the first-half of the England Under-21s’ 9-1 win over Serbia on Thursday night. He received some medical treatment at half-time before he was replaced by Tino Livramento just moments into the second-half.
Possible return date: Arsenal (H) – October 21
Christopher Nkunku
Nkunku is still yet to play a competitive game for Chelsea following his transfer from RB Leipzig in the summer. The 25-year-old was dealt a major blow to his knee during a pre-season friendly against Borussia Dortmund.
After months out of action, he has now stepped up his rehabilitation programme. Nkunku has recently returned to the gym, lifting weights alongside some occasional ball work.
Taking to Instagram to show off his hard work, the France international posted two black and white filtered pictures of himself in the gym. Last month, he posted a similar selection of images to his account showing him in the swimming pool and undergoing a medical test on his knee.
Possible return date: December
Nicolas Jackson
Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson has withdrawn from the Senegal squad during the international break after undergoing a minor operation on his wrist. The 22-year-old has worn a splint in his last two appearances for the Blues after suffering from some discomfort in the area prior to the Carabao Cup third-round victory against Brighton.
Jackson has now withdrawn from the Senegal squad for next Monday’s friendly with Cameroon and was replaced by Rangers’ Abdallah Sima. The former Villarreal striker has stayed in London to rest and recharge following the small procedure as he now aims to build up his fitness and continue his encouraging goalscoring form for the Blues.
Possible return date: Arsenal (H) – Saturday, October 21
Axel Disasi
Disasi featured in Chelsea’s starting lineup against Burnley during the weekend as the Blues picked up a comprehensive 4-1 win over the newly promoted side. Unfortunately, the defender suffered a quadricep injury during the match and has now been excluded from the France national team ahead of their upcoming international matches against Netherlands and Scotland, according to journalist Fabrice Hawkins.
Possible return date: Arsenal (H) – Saturday, October 21
Reece James
After waiting since the first day of the season for him to return from injury, the 23-year-old is back, but couldn’t feature over the weekend. 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.
It meant that he missed the clash with Burnley, but with a two-week break before the Arsenal game, there is growing hope the captain will be back involved.
What Pochettino 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.”
Possible return date: Arsenal (H) – Saturday, October 21
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.”
Benoit Badiashile
Another who is yet to play for Chelsea this season, the defender has been sorely missed in the opening eight games. Chelsea revealed that Benoit Badiashile has been back in training, but missed out on the clash against Burnley as he steps up his recovery over the past few weeks.
Possible return date: Arsenal (H) – Saturday, October 21
Trevoh Chalobah
Chalobah has not been seen since suffering an injury in pre-season, but he is now nearing a return to action after making his way back into first-team training. The defender was unable to face Burnley over the weekend, but there is hope that he will be fit to return in a few weeks.
Possible return date: Arsenal (H) – Saturday, October 21
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 and football.london understands it is now likely to be around two months before he is seen again.
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.”
Possible return date: December
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
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