Chelsea take on Aston Villa in a mid-season friendly this afternoon in Abu Dhabi. It's a great chance for the members of the Blues' squad that didn't travel to the World Cup to get some much-needed minutes to their name.
As well as that, some of Chelsea's injured players have also travelled to Abu Dhabi in order to continue their rehab as they near their return. So, with all of that being said, football.london takes a look at the latest injury news coming from the Chelsea squad.
Reece James and Wesley Fofana
James suffered a knee injury in October's win at the San Siro against AC Milan. Unfortunately for the 22-year-old defender, he was ruled out of England's World Cup campaign as a result, but is getting ever closer to his return.
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Fofana, meanwhile, also picked up an injury in the other group stage game with Milan. The Frenchman, who had faint hopes of a World Cup spot with his country, was ultimately ruled out for a lengthy period.
Graham Potter said earlier this week that James and Fofana were both progressing well but were not ready to return to action just yet. Potter told the club website: "Reece is not quite fully training but he's integrating into training along with Wesley. Wesley is a little bit further behind but not too far."
Ben Chilwell
Chilwell was another victim from the Milan game. The England international picked up a hamstring problem as his terrible luck with injuries continues.
"Ben has come back from his individual work in Dubai and he's now working closer with the guys but still not team training," Potter said in the week.
N'Golo Kante
Kante is set to be ruled out until the New Year. The 31-year-old midfielder picked up an injury in Chelsea's draw with Tottenham at the start of the season and has not played since.
Potter said the Frenchman was "a little bit further away" than the aforementioned others but did reveal that he was progressing well. Unfortunately there's absolutely no chance of a game for Kante today.
Kepa Arrizabalaga
Kepa, who has become Chelsea's first-choice goalkeeper in recent months, picked up an injury just before the World Cup break. Potter said in the week that the Spaniard is not quite yet with the team but recently "stepped up" his rehab.
Marcus Bettinelli could be handed a start for Chelsea in their friendly with Aston Villa this afternoon. Edouard Mendy is not yet with the squad after his Senegal team were knocked out of the World Cup Round of 16 by England.
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