Chelsea injury update: Ben Chilwell, Christopher Nkunku and Reece James latest news and return dates
Maurico Pochettino managed to stave off some pressure on Monday night as Chelsea got back to winning ways in the Premier League against Newcastle.
In truth, the eventual 3-2 scoreline perhaps flattered the hosts as the Blues recovered from the draw at Brentord which sparked audible chants for the return of Jose Mourinho.
Whether or not Pochettino has yet done enough to earn the love of the Chelsea supporters remains to be seen of course but it seems likely he will be given a chance to.
Indeed, there are certainly mitigating factors into why this season has been so difficult, albeit they do not explain the full extent of the struggles. A seemingly constant injury crisis has robbed the Blues boss of an array of options throughout his first full campaign in charge, which surely hasn’t helped matters.
Such has been their luck on that front this season, Chelsea remain without a host of key players.
With that in mind, here’s a look at the latest on Chelsea injuries.
Ben Chilwell
Ben Chilwell had been enjoying a consistent run in the first-team after recovering from a hamstring injury suffered earlier this season but a knee issue has derailed his progress again.
The England international has been sent to a specialist in that area and his return date remains unclear.
Potential return date: Unknown
Levi Colwill
Levi Colwill has enjoyed a breakout year as a Chelsea first-teamer but, like Chilwell, missed the win over Newcastle.
The defender has a toe problem and there has been no update since.
Potential return date: Unknown
Christoper Nkunku
Summer signing Christopher Nkunku has endured an injury-hit season since joining from RB Leipzig. He was injured again during the Carabao Cup final defeat to Liverpool and Pochettino last month confirmed the Frenchman was likely to miss three to four weeks of action.
"We need to see and evaluate every day but he's out for three or four weeks. We hope no more.
“It’s difficult for him. We watched him when he arrived in pre-season. He was flying on the training pitch until he got injured. Now it is nearly eight months and he has been involved again but he is not the same player as before.”
Potential return date: March 30 vs Burnley
Romeo Lavia
Midfielder Romeo Lavia was another expensive addition this summer but was injured on his debut back in December, having waited months to do so after arriving from Southampton during the summer.
He posted on X last month: “Received a lot of support messages and I wanted to let you know that it means a lot to me.
"I’m gutted not to be able to help the team, but I’m fully focused on coming back. The wait will be worth it..."
Potential return date: Unknown
Reece James
For the second season in a row, Reece James is in a constat battle against injury.
The defender underwent hamstring surgery in December and there has been no update on his potential return since.
Potential return date: Uknown
Lesley Ugochukwu
Lesley Ugochukwu was thought to have been set for an eight-week absence having suffered a hamstring injury at Wolves on Christmas Eve.
That timeline, however, has now elapsed and there has been no update on his return.
Potential return date: Unknown
Wesley Fofana
Pochettino confirmed defender Wesley Fofana is unlikely to play again this season after major knee surgery last summer.
“Unfortunately, I think it is difficult to see Wes playing this season, but you never know,” he said last month.
Potential return date: Summer 2024
