Chelsea have had problems with injuries all throughout Mauricio Pochettino’s first season in charge, with the majority of players suffering issues at one time or the other.
The Blues still have a number of players out with injury problems, including a few important first-team regulars too. Here we look at the latest updates on Chelsea’s injured players and when they could make a return to action.
Nkunku is reportedly making positive progress on his recovery from hip injury and pushing hard to regain his fitness during the winter break. If all goes well, he could be back in action very soon.
Potential return date: vs Middlesbrough (January 23)
Mauricio Pochettino had said last month that Sanchez’s knee injury is a bit of a sensitive one that could take quite a few weeks to recovery. He is reportedly closing in on regaining full fitness and could be ready to take back his role from Dorde Petrovic.
Potential return date: Late January
The young midfielder has been extremely unlucky with persistent injury issues and Chelsea are handling him with care as they do not want to aggravate anything worse. Pochettino won’t want to rush him back and hope to use him in the final few months of the season.
Potential return date: February
James finally opted to undergo hamstring injuries after a string of injuries in this season and he is unlikely to be back in action anytime soon. As long as he can work hard and retain fitness, the Chelsea captain could be back for the end-of-season stretch.
Potential return date: March/April
The Spaniard was also forced to undergo surgery in December for an injury and now faces a challenge to get back into the Chelsea side. He is, however, likely to return before James.
Potential return date: February/March
Ugochukwu was unfortunate to sustain an injury in the loss to Wolves on Christmas Eve and his issue has made Chelsea keep Andrey Santos in the squad.
Potential return date: February
The French defender is still a long way away from making a return for Chelsea after suffering a nasty knee injury in pre-season. He faces an uphill task in recovery and is still unlikely to play this season.
Potential return date: July
