As Chelsea gears up for their upcoming clash against Burnley following the international break, injury concerns continue to hover over certain key players. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the latest injury news from Stamford Bridge:
Chelsea Injury Update and Return Dates
Cole Palmer:
- Absent from training at St George’s Park, raising doubts over his fitness ahead of England’s friendly against Brazil.
- Engaged in a rehabilitation program alongside fellow players.
- Predicted return date: Burnley (H) – Monday, March 30.
Reece James:
- Suffered a hamstring injury in November and has been sidelined since then.
- Recently initiated his recovery phase.
- Predicted return date: April.
What Pochettino has said: “We were talking and he has started his recovery, one day closer to being with the group. This is really positive and we’re all positive around him, we are going to help.”
“It’s tough for a player with a very complicated and difficult season for him. Now’s the process to start to recover and it’s one day less until he’s part of the group. The most important thing is to start to solve the problem and help him to be strong.”
Also Read: Chelsea board under pressure after Supporters’ Trust pen open letter citing poor run
Benoit Badiashile:
- Named in the matchday squad against Leicester City but didn’t feature due to a groin issue.
- Pending further assessment after a scan to determine the severity of the injury.
- Predicted return date: Burnley (H) – Monday, March 30.
While Palmer and Badiashile are expected to make their return against Burnley, other players continue to work towards recovery:
Wesley Fofana:
- Ruptured his ACL in pre-season training, undergoing rehabilitation.
- Predicted return date: April.
Thiago Silva:
- Named in the matchday squad against Leicester City but remained unused due to a groin problem.
- Awaited assessment to determine his availability for the Burnley fixture.
- Predicted return date: Burnley (H) – Monday, March 30.
Romeo Lavia:
- Suffered a thigh problem after making his debut against Crystal Palace.
- Currently undergoing rehabilitation, with return date uncertain.
Lesley Ugochukwu:
- Following a hamstring issue, undergoing rehabilitation.
- Return date uncertain.
Christopher Nkunku:
- Missed a large chunk of the campaign due to a knee injury sustained in pre-season.
- Continues recovery from a hamstring problem, with return date unknown.
Manager Mauricio Pochettino remains optimistic about the squad’s prospects, emphasizing the importance of players’ recovery and rehabilitation efforts.
What Pochettino has said: “I think he suffered a problem in his hamstring and we will see in a few weeks if he can be again available. But yes, now he is doing recovery from Sunday. A little bit unlucky, bad luck because to suffer again another setback.”
“It’s always tough for a player that didn’t play too much during the season that also came from the Bundesliga, from Germany, with some problems. He was so good in the pre-season. It is a difficult season for him. It is difficult to accept another injury and to delay to play more consistent.”
Also Read: Chelsea and Manchester City warned about getting expelled from Premier League
As Chelsea aims to secure crucial points in their bid to climb up the Premier League table and compete in the FA Cup, the return of Palmer and Badiashile will provide a welcome boost to the team’s lineup against Burnley.
However, continued vigilance and support for injured players are essential as the Blues navigate through the remainder of the season.