Ahead of Saturday's Premier League showdown against Aston Villa, Chelsea are facing injury crisis with the absence of numerous key players, according to Sportsmole.
The club has been dealt a severe blow with the confirmation that Enzo Fernandez will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery to address a persistent groin issue.
Against London rivals Arsenal earlier this week, Chelsea suffered a humiliating 5-0 defeat, further worsened by the absence of Malo Gusto and Ben Chilwell due to knee injuries.
Alongside them, Wesley Fofana, Romeo Lavia, Reece James, Christopher Nkunku, and Lesley Ugochukwu are all sidelined with hamstring issues, leaving the team severely depleted.
However, there is hope for Chelsea as Levi Colwill, who has been sidelined since March with a toe injury, is nearing a return.
Additionally, Cole Palmer and Robert Sanchez, both absent from the Arsenal match due to illness, are expected to be available for selection this weekend, with Sanchez already back in training.
In the absence of key defensive players such as James and Gusto, 20-year-old Alfie Gilchrist could retain his spot at right-back.
Alternatively, Axel Disasi presents another option for manager Mauricio Pochettino, either at right-back or in central defense.
The midfield is also facing challenges, with Fernandez's absence potentially paving the way for Carney Chukwuemeka to make his first Premier League start since August alongside Moises Caicedo and Conor Gallagher.
Upfront, Nicolas Jackson is expected to lead the line despite recent struggles in front of goal.
Raheem Sterling will compete with Noni Madueke and Mykhaylo Mudryk for a place on the flanks.
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