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Football London
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Sam Hill & Tom Coley

N'Golo Kante, Ben Chilwell: Chelsea injury news and return dates ahead of Manchester City

Frank Lampard has been dealt several injury blows ahead of Chelsea's clash against Manchester City this weekend. The Blues could welcome Kalidou Koulibaly back to the matchday squad, but are likely to miss Ben Chilwell, N'Golo Kante, Reece James, Mason Mount and Marc Cucurella.

Pep Guardiola's side will welcome Lampard's side to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon – just four days after booking their place in the Champions League final after an impressive 4-0 victory against Real Madrid. City are chasing the treble and could secure their fifth Premier League title in six years with a win against Chelsea.

The Blues head into the clash in 11th place and on just 43 points as they look to end their dismal season with some positive results. With European qualification out of the picture and the season largely redundant, Chelsea will be hoping that they can rain on City's parade.

READ MORE: Man City chief launches attack on Arsenal, Chelsea and Man Utd amid transfer spending accusation

So, with that being said, football.london has taken a look at the latest updates from the treatment room ahead of Chelsea's clash with City.

N'Golo Kante

Chelsea were dealt yet another blow as their talismanic Frenchman was once more ruled out through injury. He is yet to sign a new deal and will now be a doubt for the rest of the season.

Kante has struggled with fitness all year long having missed the entirety of games between September and March with a long-term hamstring strain. This is now his third separate setback.

What Lampard said: "He felt something in his groin. So that's probably a couple of weeks and we know what that means pretty much. We just have to keep going."

Expected return date: Unknown

Mateo Kovacic

The Croatian was taken off in the first half of the 2-2 draw with Forest after coming into the game as a risk, according to Lampard. He was replaced by Ruben Loftus-Cheek and may now have played his last game for the club.

What Lampard said: "I don't know. I know he had a bit of an issue going into the game. It was clear yesterday in training. I spoke to him before to see how it went. I haven't followed it up since the game to be honest. We hope he's OK."

Expected return date: Unknown

Ben Chilwell

Ben Chilwell was taken off in the 74th minute against Bournemouth after suffering a hamstring injury. The England international suffered a similar issue earlier this season which saw him sidelined for 10 games.

He is now a doubt to feature again this season after Lampard offered a worrying update.

Along with James and Mount he has been pictured back in training on the grass at Cobham.

What Lampard said: "Not fit. No we are hoping that Chilly may be fit possibly for the last game or two of the season but that is a tight call. It's a similar story with Mason Mount, maybe a little bit similar with Reece [James] but I feel that Reece might be slightly behind that. So we are obviously chasing it about now."

Expected return date: Manchester United (A) - May 25

Marc Cucurella

Cucurella was ruled out of the game against Brentford late on after picking up a knock in training. He too looks set to miss the rest of the season.

What Lampard said: "No he won't be fit for this game and again probably questionable in line with the others for that final week of the season."

Injury: Quadricep

Expected return date: Manchester United (A) - May 25

Kalidou Koulibaly

Kalidou Koulibaly started in a back three for Chelsea in the first-leg against Real Madrid but, after a lung-busting run to track back and deny Rodrygo a chance, the defender pulled up clutching his hamstring.

What Lampard said: "He has trained with us the last couple of days. A little bit managed, not full training so again we are looking at the next week where we have three games in six days or whatever so all of those, hopefully in a bit of contentions but of course will they be match fit is the other question."

Injury: Hamstring

Expected return date: Manchester City (A) - May 21

Reece James

In the first-half of the Blues' clash against Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge, James was seen feeling his hamstring. The defender appeared to be struggling for a moment or so but he soldiered on and completed 90 minutes, although the latest update from Lampard was not too positive.

James has also been back in some form of outside training, pictured alongside Mount and Chilwell.

What Lampard said: "No we are hoping that Chilly may be fit possibly for the last game or two of the season but that is a tight call. It's a similar story with Mason Mount, maybe a little bit similar with Reece [James] but I feel that Reece might be slightly behind that. So we are obviously chasing it about now."

Injury: Hamstring

Expected return date: Summer

Mason Mount

Mount has suffered with plenty of injuries this season, with an ongoing pelvic issue plaguing him this season. Another setback means that the club's two-time player of the season is set to miss out on another appearance while speculation grows over his future.

Mount posted an update on Instagram, saying: "Had a minor procedure yesterday to sort out a discomfort I had for a while. Everything went well and I’m feeling good.

"Time to rest but can’t wait to get back to training in the coming weeks! Thanks for all your messages of support and a massive thank you to the medical team, doctors and nurses for looking after me."

He has since returned to outside training as the club posted an image of their England star with the ball at his feet once more.

What Lampard said: "Mason has been carrying this pelvic injury for quite a while, it pre-dates myself. We've been trying and the medical staff have been trying but we've got to the stage now where he'll have a minor surgery. Probably a four-week recovery and we know where that gets us to."

Injury: Pelvis

Expected return date: Summer

Armando Broja

Chelsea have been without Broja for a while now after the striker suffered a knee injury in a mid-season friendly against Aston Villa. The 20-year-old screamed in pain following a collision with Ezri Konsa and he was subsequently stretchered off the field of play.

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 was a major blow.

Broja has been expected to be out for at least the remainder of the season after learning that he needed surgery to fix a ruptured cruciate ligament in his right knee, football.london reported at the time. However, he's recently been pictured back in individual training at Cobham, albeit mostly gym work.

Additionally, the Evening Standard report that the young striker is ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation and is targeting a return to action for Chelsea during their pre-season tour of America.

What Lampard said: N/A

Injury: Knee

Expected return date: Summer

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