Reece James, Thiago Silva: Chelsea injury return dates for key Dortmund tie

Chelsea injury news: The latest Blues updates from the treatment room ahead of a key Champions League fixture on Tuesday

Chelsea earned a confidence boosting victory as they claimed three points for the first time since mid-January with a 1-0 win against Leeds on Saturday. Although the nature of the performance wasn't always convincing it is nonetheless a massive boost ahead of their key midweek battle.

Although the Blues will be without Mason Mount through suspension, the match is the one chance to extend the season with games of much more immediate meaning, as a Premier League mid-table finish is all but certain. It gives the supporters plenty to be excited for, too.

Potter won't have a full squad available to him though. Here, football.london takes you through the latest injury news ahead of the clash.

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 is fit in midweek he will have 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.

Reece James has struggled with injuries throughout the past campaign, with long-term absences causing plenty of problems for the defender. The Cobham academy graduate was missing from the matchday squad against Leeds and the club will have to hope for good news ahead of Dortmund.

What Potter said: "“Reece just felt a little bit of tightness, which is sometimes understandable when he’s coming back from an injury. We’ve been assessing this week; we feel it’s too soon for the game on Saturday, but there’s a strong chance he’ll be available for Tuesday."

Injury: Hamstring

Expected return date: Borussia Dortmund (H) - Tuesday, March 7.

"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."

The time off has been detailed as roughly six weeks, meaning he would return to action this season, but will miss a chunk of time.

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

Injury: Knee

Expected return date: April

The USMNT international was partially involved in first-team training on Monday, handing a major boost to Potter ahead of the clash with hope of welcoming the forward back ahead of a Champions League reunion with Borussia Dortmund.

What Potter said: "We've had a good week's training, everyone is available pretty much apart from N'Golo and Christian Pulisic. They are making progress, joining the warm-ups, and they will be more integrated next week. So that is good."

Injury: Knee

Expected return date: March

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.

Leeds was 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

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