Latest Chelsea injury news ahead of Manchester City with Mauricio Pochettino facing a number of concerns ahead of the Premier League clash
Chelsea and Mauricio Pochettino have been handed a significant boost in the return of Christopher Nkunku. The forward has been out since pre-season but has continued his rehabilitation in recent weeks.
The France international is one of many players still sidelined with Wesley Fofana and Romeo Lavia both out. However, Nkunku could be back in just a few weeks following a recent update.
In better news, midfielder Enzo Fernandez has returned to the Cobham training pitch. The Argentine will be hoping to return to the starting eleven against Manchester City.
With that said, football.london has pulled together the latest Chelsea injury news and potential return dates ahead of the Blues taking on the reigning Premier League champions.
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.
He has taken his recovery programme to the next level - for the very first time since the summer, Nkunku was spotted outside on the training pitches at Cobham in his Chelsea gear. Now, a report from 90min has claimed that December's Carabao Cup clash with Newcastle has been earmarked as his first start in blue.
What Pochettino has said: "He is doing well, I think he is close, I hope he can be involved soon. Maybe after the international break. Maybe not not sure."
Possible return date: Newcastle United (A) - Saturday, November 25
Enzo Fernandez
After being on the receiving end of a firm challenge from Cristian Romero in the 4-1 win over Tottenham, Mauricio Pochettino chose to take of Enzo Fernandez just before the hour mark. On Wednesday, Fernandez posted an update on his availability ahead of Manchester City and yesterday, he was pictured in training.
What Fernandez said: "Thank you all for your messages. I am good, working in my recovery to get to the weekend in the best way *blue heart emoji*."
Possible return date: Manchester City (H) - Sunday, November 12
Armando Broja
Broja was omitted from the matchday squad to face Arsenal last month. He is currently being assessed for an irritation on his knee and it's unclear when he will return. He was not included in the squad against Tottenham, though Pochettino did hint at his involvement in his pre-match press conference.
What Pochettino said: "Today [Friday] we were talking and maybe he will be available to be on the bench for Monday. Hope he can be involved."
Possible return date: Manchester City (H) - Sunday, November 12
Romeo Lavia
According to the Mail, Lavia is expected to remain out of action until late November despite having taken promising steps towards a full recovery. The report states that the Belgian was able to take off his protective boot in October and he's since begun his rehabilitation programme at Cobham training ground.
The Mail adds that a return in November is viewed as 'optimistic'. It's believed that the west Londoners are cautious of rushing him back ahead of schedule, meaning that Lavia may not return until early December. Lavia himself has sent a message on Instagram, reposting an image of himself doing a workout. "Late one," he wrote alongside pictures of some strength, conditioning and mobility exercises.
What Pochettino said: "I cannot tell you [when he will be back] but he is still not running. After the international break he will not be back."
Possible return date: December
Trevoh Chalobah
Chelsea issued an official statement confirming that Chalobah picked up a knock ahead of the clash against Arsenal. The defender has been nursing a thigh injury this season.
Possible return date: November
Carney Chukwuemeka
Chelsea issued an official statement confirming that Carney Chukwuemeka had picked up a knock ahead of the meeting with Arsenal. He had made the bench against Burnley but has since hit another setback and is yet to play again this season.
The teenager has struggled with a knee problem despite only recently returning to full first-team training at Cobham. It is not certain how long he will be out for.
Possible return date: Unknown
Ben Chilwell
Chilwell suffered a knock towards the end of Chelsea's clash with Brighton in the Carabao Cup at the end of September. Unfortunately for the Blues defender, the club quickly realised that the muscle issue was worse than first thought and, a month later, he's still out of action.
What Pochettino said: "I can not tell you [when he will be back]. It is difficult to know. He is away from the training ground now and we will wait for him to come back to see the situation. Hopefully, he can recover as soon as possible."
Possible return date: December
Wesley Fofana
Fofana is set to miss most of the season after rupturing his ACL in pre-season training ahead of the tour of America. Yet, while it remains to be seen when he will return, he's posted a promising update to his Instagram story. Without a caption, Fofana is seen lying down on a gym mat at Cobham training ground conducting a test on his right thigh.
Possible return date: April 2024
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