Chelsea injury news: The latest Blues updates from the treatment room ahead of a huge clash against Leicester City
Graham Potter will be desperate to build upon Chelsea's momentous victory over Borussia Dortmund with a win against Leicester City at the weekend. Brendan Rodgers' side are set to welcome the Blues to the King Power Stadium on Saturday afternoon as the Foxes look to burst the visitors' bubble.
The west Londoners head into the clash 11-points adrift of fourth-placed Tottenham - but Chelsea have a game in hand which could prove pivotal in their late push to clinch a top-four place. The Blues have finally picked up some form after back-to-back wins, though will be eyeing their first set of successive victories in the league since October 2022.
Leicester, on the other hand, are just two-points above the relegation zone and they're winless in four games across all competitions. One of which was against Championship outfit Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup and another to Manchester United, who trounced the Foxes 3-0. With Chelsea high on the brink of a great vein of form, Potter will be eager to pile on the misery.
So, with that being said, football.london takes you through the latest injury news ahead of Chelsea's clash with Leicester City.
Mason Mount has struggled to break into the first-team in recent weeks but he was handed a cameo against Tottenham from the bench. The midfielder then missed out against Leeds United after suffering with an issue in his lower abdomen.
He was also absent from the matchday squad which locked horns with Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, though that was due to suspension. The midfielder returned to training on Thursday as his side prepare for a huge clash against Leicester City on Saturday.
What Potter said: "Mason’s had a problem with his lower abdomen area, the bone, so he’ll miss the game tomorrow [against Leeds]. We hope it won’t be too long but tomorrow will be too soon."
Injury: Lower abdomen
Expected return date: Leicester (A) - Saturday, March 11.
Kante, who sees his contract at Chelsea expire in the summer, is yet to feature under Potter after suffering a hamstring injury against Tottenham in August. The midfielder has recently returned to first-team training but is yet to be included on the team sheet.
It remains to be seen exactly how long it will take for him to return to full fitness but his return will be a hugely welcomed boost.
What Potter said: "N’Golo had his first full training session today (March 3) but obviously 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: March
Silva was forced off with a knee injury in the Blues' clash with Tottenham. The following Tuesday, Chelsea released a statement detailing his diagnosis.
"Having sustained a knee injury during the first half of Sunday’s match against Tottenham Hotspur, Thiago underwent further assessment and a scan on his return to the training centre on Monday.
"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
What Potter said: "Mendy’s making progress but he's not yet joined full training with the group."
Injury: Finger
Expected return date: Late March to 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 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