Ben Chilwell is expected to be out for four weeks with a hamstring problem, but early assessments have played down fears of a more significant injury.
The 26-year-old defender has had his scans pushed back to Friday, after limping off at the end of Chelsea’s 1-0 Carabao Cup win over Brighton on Wednesday.
He is considered certain to miss Chelsea’s next two matches, against Fulham and Burnley, before the October international break.
A four-week absence would be considered a good outcome, but there is concern more broadly about vice-captain Chilwell, who suffered his third hamstring injury in the collision with Billy Gilmour since the beginning of last season.
Marc Cucurella or Ian Maatsen are battling to replace Chilwell for Chelsea’s clash at Fulham on Monday.
Mauricio Pochettino now has nine players out injured, with Malo Gusto and Nicolas Jackson also suspended for the trip to Craven Cottage.
Gareth Southgate is not expected to be able to call Chilwell into his latest England squad, which will be announced next Thursday for the friendly with Australia and Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy.
Southgate faces an injury crisis at left-back with Chilwell and Luke Shaw both out. Brentford’s Rico Henry, who had been pushing for his maiden call-up, is also sidelined after needing surgery on his knee.
Newcastle's Kieran Trippier will likely switch from right-back to left-back as cover for England, with Crystal Palace’s Tyrick Mitchell well-placed to be recalled to the squad.
Meanwhile, Reece James is expected to accept his FA charge for allegedly using “improper and/or insulting and/or abusive words and/or behaviour” towards a match official in the tunnel following Sunday’s 1-0 home defeat by Aston Villa.
The Chelsea captain could be given a ban after allegedly confronting referee Jarred Gillett, despite not featuring in the match due to his own hamstring injury.
He has until Friday to answer the charge as he continues his rehabilitation on the grass at Cobham.
