Chelsea‘s injury woes after easing as the club start to pick up momentum in the final weeks of the season.
Back-to-back London derby wins over Tottenham and West Ham leaves the Blues ahead of Manchester United in goal difference, though having played a game more, in their attempts to qualify for Europe.
It has been a turbulent season for Mauricio Pochettino but the return to fitness of the likes of Malo Gusto, Christopher Nkunku, Levi Colwill and Raheem Sterling has set up a big finish to the campaign.
With that mind, here's a look at the latest on Chelsea injuries...
Levi Colwill
Levi Colwill missed the game with Tottenham on Thursday but was back on the bench for the win over West Ham. He did not make a substitute appearance but is in contention to face Nottingham Forest on the weekend.
Potential return date: Nottingham Forest (a) on May 11, 2024
Enzo Fernandez
Fernandez was recently ruled out for the rest of the season after undergoing surgery on an ongoing hernia issue.
The Argentine will stay at Chelsea for his rehabilitation, and may be fit enough to return for the Copa America, which starts on June 20.
Potential return date: Summer 2024
Carney Chukwuemeka
Chukwuemeka has struggled with knee injuries this season, and has only featured in 12 games across all competitions. The 20-year-old was deemed fit enough to feature off the bench against Everton, Sheffield United and Manchester United, but failed to make the matchday squad against Villa at the weekend.
Pochettino said: “Carney feels something in his knee, related to his problem before. Hopefully it's not a big issue.”
Potential return date: Unknown
Raheem Sterling
Sterling was also back on the bench for the win over West Ham and also did not get off the bench, but is back in contention for the final games of the season.
Potential return date: Nottingham Forest (a) on May 11, 2024
Ben Chilwell
Chilwell made small cameos off the bench against Man City and Everton last month but has not been seen since after picking up a knock in training.
The left-back has not been fully fit since starting both friendlies for England in late March.
Potential return date: Unknown
Reece James
Chelsea captain James is back in training with the first team for the first time since undergoing surgery for a hamstring injury in December. He’s not yet available for selection, but may feature before the end of the season.
Last week, ahead of the win over Tottenham, James wrote in the matchday programme: "I've been working hard on my recovery and it's been an amazing feeling to rejoin the group for parts of our training sessions.
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“It has been a long road back and there is still work for me to do before I'm fully match fit but I can't wait to be back on the pitch with the boys."
Potential return date: May 2024
Romeo Lavia
Lavia has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a thigh injury. The £58million summer signing has only featured in one Premier League game this season.
Potential return date: Summer 2024
Lesley Ugochukwu
Ugochukwu is another long-term Chelsea absentee who returned to training last week. He has been absent since December with a hamstring injury. Pochettino has not yet given a specific update on the French midfielder.
Potential return date: May 2024
Wesley Fofana
Fofana has been ruled out since last summer following surgery on a serious knee injury. It’s very unlikely he returns this season.
Potential return date: Summer 2024
Robert Sanchez
Sanchez has been absent since starting the FA Cup quarter-final against Leicester on March 17. He has returned to partial team training but was again missing from the squad against West Ham.
Potential return date: May 2024