Reece James, Kai Havertz, Wesley Fofana: Chelsea injury news and return dates for Aston Villa

Chelsea injury news: A number of Blues players face a race against time to be ready for the club's return to Premier League action against Aston Villa this weekend

Graham Potter will likely be determining the availability of several of his Chelsea players today following the conclusion of the March international break. The Blues take on Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday where Potter could be without a number of key stars.

Cobham was likely a quiet venue the past fortnight with multiple Chelsea stars representing their countries in European qualifiers. However, two of those players away from west London in Kai Havertz and Reece James returned early from international duty and are therefore weekend doubts.

For others, notably N'Golo Kante and Christian Pulisic, the break provided the perfect opportunity to get minutes in the tank on the training pitch and send a clear message to Potter they are ready for more game time. Cesar Azpilicueta, Thiago Silva, Edouard Mendy and Armando Broja are still expected to be absent and they could be joined by two stars who will likely face late fitness tests.

With that said, football.london has rounded up all the injury news from Stamford Bridge ahead of Chelsea's Saturday evening meeting with Aston Villa.

Kai Havertz is the latest name on the list of doubts for Graham Potter after the forward returned from international duty with Germany. In a statement on social media, Germany confirmed Havertz was set to return to Chelsea through illness which has since been labelled as a flu infection, but it is hopeful he can recover in the week and will be available for Saturday's match.

Injury: illness

Expected return date: Aston Villa (H) - April 1

Reece James withdrew from the England squad to take on Ukraine on Sunday evening due to an 'ongoing issue' with a minor hamstring injury.

The 23-year-old Chelsea defender has struggled with injury problems all season-long and unfortunately, it looked like another setback. James came on in Thursday night's impressive win against Italy but was only on the pitch for just over five minutes after replacing Bukayo Saka.

England released the following statement on James: "Reece James has withdrawn from the England squad and will not feature against Ukraine on Sunday. The full-back has returned to Chelsea for an assessment on an ongoing issue."

However, it appears this withdrawal may have simply been a precaution, after he was pictured during training on Tuesday, suggesting his return date could be imminent.

Injury: Hamstring

Expected return date: Aston Villa (H) - April 1

What Potter said: "N'Golo's due to carry on training Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday with potentially a game to give him some minutes."

Injury: Hamstring

Expected return date: Aston Villa (H) - April 1

Mason Mount has missed a number of games recently due to various injury issues. He has been in and out of training, but returned last Tuesday along with a number of other teammates.

However, despite originally being called up, Mount also had to pull out of Gareth Southgate's England squad.

What Potter said: "It's the same with Mason. He'll miss the England camp as well."

Injury: Lower abdomen

Expected return date: Aston Villa (H) - April 1

What Potter has said: "Raheem has a problem with his hamstring. It's not too serious but he'll miss the game at the weekend and the international trip."

Injury: Hamstring

Expected return date: Aston Villa (H) - April 1

Injury: Finger

Expected return date: Aston Villa (H) - April 1

Potter revealed Fofana had been taken off against Everton due to fatigue, while he was also "feeling his hamstring", with many suspecting the defender had picked up another injury. The Frenchman was spotted in the dugout at Stamford Bridge with an ice pack on his right thigh, leaving some supporters to fear the worst.

What Potter has said: "Wes Fofana had to come off with fatigue, as he has had a long time out. He was feeling his hamstring. Wes was fantastic and defended well."

Injury: Hamstring

Expected return date: Aston Villa (H) - April 1

Azpilicueta sustained a concussion against Southampton following a collision with striker Sekou Mara. The defender left the pitch on a stretcher and was taken to hospital but he's on the mend now as he eyes a return.

What Potter said: "Azpilicueta had a knock in training, he's had a problem there."

Injury: Concussion

Expected return date: Aston Villa (H) - April 1

Silva was forced off with a knee injury in the Blues' clash with Tottenham. The following Tuesday, Chelsea released a statement detailing his diagnosis.

What Potter said: "Thiago will be around that time [six weeks], not sure exactly."

Injury: Knee

Expected return date: April

He looked to be in considerable pain and was seen to be clutching his leg as he was tended to by medical staff. The Albania international had no history of knee injuries and his injury is a major blow.

What Potter said: ''It was just an unfortunate action. He got caught up with their player and the ground. It doesn’t look positive at the moment but it’s too early to say. Fingers crossed but it is an awkward one.''

Injury: Knee

Expected return date: Summer 2023