Chelsea injury news: The latest Blues updates from the treatment room ahead of a key Champions League fixture on Tuesday
Graham Potter's side was given a much-needed boost last time out as they earned their first victory since mid-January against Leeds United. Although the nature of the performance wasn't entirely convincing, it was nonetheless a significant three points ahead of their key midweek battle.
The result would have likely seen an uplift in confidence, particularly among new signings Enzo Fernandez, Joao Felix and Noni Madueke who all racked up their first wins for the club. Fortunately, Potter doesn't appear to have any fresh injury concerns to contend with for the Dortmund clash.
However, the manager will be without a number of first-team hopefuls who have still yet to recover from their respective issues, while Mason Mount misses out through suspension. Two men who could make a return are Christian Pulisic, who has been out since early January with a knee injury, and Reece James, who missed the Leeds victory with a tight hamstring, after both returned to training.
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.
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
"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
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