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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Elliott Jackson

Chelsea facing nine-man injury crisis for crucial Manchester United fixture

Chelsea could be without as many as nine first-team players on Thursday when they face Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Erik ten Hag's side only need one point from their final two Premier League matches to ensure they qualify for the UEFA Champions League. They face an out-of-form Chelsea and Fulham before the season ends.

United will be mindful of keeping their players fit for the upcoming FA Cup final, once a top-four spot has been sealed. Chelsea, on the other hand, have little to play for and are without several key players.

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Wing-backs Reece James and Ben Chilwell have both been ruled out for the season, along with Mason Mount, Marc Cucurella and long-term absentee Armando Broja. Teenager Lewis Hall is likely to start on the left side of defence, as he did against Manchester City.

Chelsea have problems in midfield with Mateo Kovacic and N'Golo Kante both big doubts. The Croatian picked up a groin injury against Nottingham Forest and wasn't fit to feature against City whilst Kante has a similar issue.

Joao Felix was initially named on Chelsea's bench at the Etihad Stadium but he was replaced by young goalkeeper Ethan Wady. It's unclear what the Portuguese international's problem is and when he might return.

Finally, Benoit Badiashile is the latest concern for Chelsea's patched-up defence to deal with. The Frenchman was injured in training with a groin injury and is unlikely to be involved at Old Trafford.

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