Chelsea injury updates and return dates ahead of the Liverpool match
Chelsea injury update: Graham Potter is missing a number of crucial players for the Liverpool game, but he is nearing the return of his two main wing-backs.
Graham Potter has received a significant boost ahead of Chelsea’s Sunday meeting with Liverpool. As the chase for the top four heats up, Jurgen Klopp’s team will host the Blues to Anfield on Saturday.
Both teams enter the game with 28 points, with only an eight-goal margin separating Liverpool and Chelsea in ninth and tenth place, respectively. The west Londoners will be looking to build on their first victory in four meetings against the Reds yet to win in the Premier League since the turn of the year.
For all of Potter’s time as Chelsea manager, he has had to hurry to put together a starting lineup. So, with a number of players returning, the 47-year-old can finally try to establish his best XI.
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Havertz was not seen on Sky Sports footage at the open Chelsea training session on Wednesday. This raised concerns over his availability for the Liverpool game, but he was in training on Thursday.
Following a clash with Theo Hernandez, Reece James James suffered a knee injury in Chelsea’s 2-0 win against AC Milan last year. When he returned from the World Cup, he pulled up against Bournemouth, causing another injury.
The 23-year-old returned to the Cobham grounds ahead of the defeat to Fulham, but was still training alone. Now, ahead of the tie with Liverpool, he featured in first-team training again.
While his participation at Anfield this weekend is uncertain, his presence at training will be a big boost to everyone at the club.
“Reece [James] went out on the grass today, not training with the team, but on his own,” Potter added.
Injury to the knee
The expected return date is February.
Chilwell was also spotted back in first-team training with James. The defender has been out for much of the season, so he’ll be eager to get back into shape and contribute to Chelsea’s prospects of finishing in the top four.
“Ben [Chilwell] is getting closer,” Potter added.
Injury to the thigh
The expected return date is February.
Kante has had an injury-plagued season thus far, but the midfielder has finally returned to the pitches at Cobham, albeit training alone. The Frenchman is getting closer to full fitness but until he joins the first-team group a debut under Potter is left to be desired.
What Potter said: “N’Golo did his first couple of days out training on his own but there is still a long, long way to go.”
Injury: Thigh
Expected return date: February
Wesley Fofana’s influence at the back has been felt in his absence despite missing the majority of the season so far. However, in a great boost for the Blues and the defender himself, it appears like a return is on the way, as he has been spotted in training again.
“Wesley had a little setback, which may occasionally happen at the very end of rehab, so he will be [out for] a couple of weeks,” Potter added.
Injury to the knee
The expected return date is February.
After a sluggish start at Stamford Bridge, the Chelsea loanee has impressed in recent weeks, forcing his way into the first-team. However, in a devastating knock to the side, he he was forced off after 56 minutes in the defeat to Fulham and has handed a major blow to Potter’s midfield options.
What Potter said: “Denis is going to be probably four weeks. It’s the top of his quad and that is a blow for us. Hopefully, he can return sooner.”
Injury: Quadricep
Expected return date: Borussia Dortmund (A) – February 15.
On Tuesday (January 10), the midfielder returned to training for the first time since November, but the Fulham game was deemed too soon. He could, however, be available for the trip to Anfield and provide Potter with the variety he requires in the following games.
According to Di Marzio reporter Nathan Gissing, he recovered in time to face Palace but has since become unwell.
“They’re making progress,” Potter added. Ruben [Loftus-Cheek] is approaching.”
Injury to the calf
The expected comeback date is January 21 in Liverpool (A).
Pulisic was injured and subbed off in the Premier League loss to Manchester City, coming off worse in a tackle by John Stones. The international for the United States was visibly distressed as he went down twice following the challenge.
He was later replaced by Carney Chukwuemeka, and he was also absent from the FA Cup match versus City. He’ll be on the bench for another long time.
“No possibility, no, he will be out past that [January transfer deadline], and there was never any thought of him moving anyhow,” Potter stated. He’ll be out for a few months.
“He is disappointed, but he is confident about returning sooner than two months. He’s in the stage where he’s crossing his fingers and hope his recovery goes well.”
Injury to the knee
The expected return date is March.
In the same game, Sterling was substituted by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang within the first few minutes. Chelsea has lost Christian Pulisic. The 28-year-old winger fell to the floor with a grimace on his face following a collision with John Stones.
The Athletic reported that the forward is set for a scan on his hamstring to understand the extent of the injury he has suffered and understandably, Sterling was not named in the 18-man squad that travelled to his old stomping ground on Sunday, with Potter giving a brief update on the summer signing.
His second scan is believed to have shown worse damage than first thought though.
What Potter said: . “Raheem less (than Pulisic) but we’re still evaluating the extent of it. Hopefully less than that, though.”
Injury: Hamstring
Expected return date: February/March
Chelsea confirmed that Mendy had undergone an operation on a fractured finger sustained during training, meaning he will be absent from the squad in the coming games.
The Senegalese shot-stopper missed the Bournemouth match and didn’t even make the bench against Forest. He had previously come back from international duty in October with an injury but played for his club since then despite being replaced as No1 by Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Injury: Finger
Expected return date: Unknown
Having pulled up nastily in the side’s mid-season friendly against Aston Villa, Armando Broja could be heard reeling in pain as his knee injury more than definitely curtailed his 22/23 season. Having made quite the impression under Potter, it was a sad blow for the former Southampton loanee.
What Potter said: ”It was just an unfortunate action. He got caught up with their player and the ground. It doesn’t look positive at the moment but it’s too early to say. Fingers crossed but it is an awkward one.”
Injury: Knee
Expected return date: Late 2023
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