Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino will now have to reflect on his side’s incredible 4-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur as he prepares to host champions and reigning champions Manchester City.
VAR drama, two red cards, five offside goals and five actual goals ultimately saw the Blues take all three points, which put them top of the table. The clash also saw the return of Rhys James to the starting line-up, with the captain getting his first league start since the opening weekend against Liverpool.
Chelsea were still without seven first-team players on Monday and will be hoping there are a few more waiting in the wings over the coming weeks. Here, soccer.london brings you the latest from the Blues treatment room.
Rhys James
James made his first league start since picking up the injury against Liverpool. He played more than 75 minutes before being replaced by Malo Gusto with his side leading 2-1 against Spurs, and was involved in the free-kick.
Mykhailo Mudryk
Mudryk was absent from the matchday squad to face Brentford last weekend and also missed the cup win over Blackburn. However, he was in the squad against Tottenham where he made a late appearance and is set to return to his regular minutes this weekend after illness.
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Christopher Nkunku
Nkunku is yet to play a competitive game for Chelsea after joining from RB Leipzig in the summer. The 25-year-old took a significant knock to his knee during a pre-season friendly against Borussia Dortmund.
He has taken his recovery program to the next level – for the first time since the summer, Nkunku was spotted out on the training pitches in Cobham in his Chelsea gear. Now, Pochettino has hinted that the France international could return to action after the international break in November.
Possible return date: Newcastle (A) – Saturday 25 November
Armando Broja
Brocha was left out of the matchday squad to face Arsenal last month. He is currently being evaluated for irritation in his knee and it is unclear when he will return. He was not included in the squad against Tottenham, although Pochettino hinted at his inclusion in his pre-match press conference.
What Pochettino said: “Today [Friday] we were talking and he might be available to be on the bench on monday. I hope he can participate.”
Possible return date: Manchester City (H) – Sunday, November 12
Romeo Lavia
According to Post office, Lavia is expected to be out of action until the end of November, despite taking promising steps towards a full recovery. The report states that the Belgian was able to remove his protective boot in October and has since begun his rehabilitation program at Cobham’s training ground.
The correspondence adds that performance in November is considered “optimistic”. It is believed the west Londoners are wary of rushing him back ahead of schedule, meaning Lavia may not return until early December.
What Pochettino said: “I can not tell you [when he will be back] but still not running. After the international break, he will not return.”
Possible return date: December
Trevoh Chalobah
Chelsea released an official statement confirming that Chalobah picked up a knock ahead of the clash with Arsenal. The defender suffered a thigh injury this season.
Possible return date: November
Carney Chukwuemeka
Chelsea have released an official statement confirming Carney Chukwuemeka has won ahead of the meeting with Arsenal. He had come on the bench against Burnley but has since suffered another setback and has not played again this season.
The teenager has been dealing 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.
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 realized the muscle problem was worse than first thought and, a month later, he is still out of action.
What Pochettino said: “I can not tell you [when he will be back]. It’s hard to know. Now he is away from the field and we will wait for him to return 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 tearing his ACL in training ahead of the tour of America.
Possible return date: April 2024
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