Chelsea injury news: The latest Blues updates from the treatment room after a huge win in the Champions League
Chelsea progressed to the Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday evening after a significant 2-0 win against Borussia Dortmund, coming through the tie 2-1 on aggregate. Raheem Sterling's first-half breakthrough was added to by Kai Havertz's penalty - albeit at the second attempt - to overcome the one goal deficit suffered in the first-leg.
The turnaround was aided by the return of Reece James, who missed Saturday's game against Leeds United with a tight hamstring, who excelled at right wing-back. Another added bonus was Christian Pulisic's return to the squad, with the American having been out since early January with a knee injury, even getting some minutes under his belt as a substitute.
However, the manager was without a number of first-team hopefuls who have still yet to recover from their respective issues, including Mason Mount, who would have missed out through suspension anyway.
Here, football.london takes you through the latest injury news ahead of another important clash against Leicester City this weekend.
Mason Mount has struggled to break into the first-team in recent weeks, but was handed a cameo against Tottenham from the bench. The midfielder has since been handed an injury concern that saw him miss out against Leeds United, having sustained a problem with his lower abdomen.
Even if he was fit in midweek, he would still have been forced to sit it out after hitting the yellow card limit in Germany.
What Potter said: "Mason [Mount] has had a problem with a lower abdomen area and tomorrow [Saturday vs Leeds] is too soon for him."
Injury: Lower abdomen
Expected return date: Leicester (A) - Saturday, March 11.
Kante, who sees his contract expire in the summer - although Chelsea are now very confident he will sign a new deal, as football.london understands - is yet to feature under Potter after suffering a hamstring injury against Tottenham in August. The midfielder returned to first-team training in the past fortnight but still hasn't been included in a squad.
It remains to be seen exactly how long it would take for him to return to full fitness.
What Potter said: "N’Golo [Kante] had his first full session today, but still needs time."
Injury: Hamstring
Expected return date: March
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. He was at the stadium against Tottenham but not as part of the matchday squad.
Both Leeds and Dortmund were also too soon for the Chelsea captain, with more time needed before the defender can return. He watched the game at Stamford Bridge from the stands.
What Potter said: "Azpi [Cesar Azpilicueta] has made progress but is not through protocols after a head injury like that.”
Injury: Concussion
Expected return date: Early March
"Scan results from those assessments have confirmed damage to Thiago’s knee ligaments and he will now work closely with the club’s medical department during his rehabilitation to return to action as soon as possible."
What Potter said: "Thiago will be around that time [six weeks], not sure exactly."
Injury: Knee
Expected return date: April
Mendy has now been seen in training at Cobham.
Injury: Finger
Expected return date: Unknown
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 with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang out of favour at present.
Broja is expected to be out for at least the remainder of the season after learning that he needs surgery to fix a ruptured cruciate ligament in his right knee, football.london understands.
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/Autumn 2023
Waudenoty
4
okay thank you my friend
Shmonny
3
Chelsea survive! 🔵