Chelsea ’s 4-2 defeat at home to Arsenal on Wednesday saw them miss the chance to consolidate third place in the Premier League season in what was their game in hand, as the Blues recorded a second defeat in three matches.
Thomas Tuchel was already without four first team players for the crunch clash, while another was added to that list during the game against the Gunners, as his side begin to take hits in the final stretch of the season.
Here is all you need to know about the current state of play at Stamford Bridge and the expected return dates for those currently on the sidelines.
Andreas Christensen
Defender Andreas Christensen had a game to forget on Wednesday night after a poor back pass gifted Arsenal their opening goal of the game, before he was eventually forced off through injury at half-time, lasting just 45 minutes of the contest.
The Denmark international's issues hasn’t yet been specified, and it is unclear as to whether he will be able to recover in time for Sunday’s game with West Ham United.
Following the game on Wednesday, Tuchel said: "He said he couldn't continue. He had some problems."
Antonio Rudiger
Are Chelsea worse off without Christensen and Rudiger in the side? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
After helping Chelsea to beat Crystal Palace in their FA Cup semi-final on Sunday, Antonio Rudiger was then left out of Wednesday’s contest with Arsenal in what was a surprise omission from the matchday squad.
However, Tuchel revealed after the game that the German defender had been struggling with a groin injury in the aftermath of the Wembley triumph, but admitted that he will be a doubt for this weekend as he continues to struggle with the problem.
Following the game on Wednesday, Tuchel said: “It is groin pain a little, minor injury. I hope, and the doctors told me today is unfortunately too soon. I don't think he will play against West Ham."
Mateo Kovacic
Like Rudiger, Mateo Kovacic also lined up against Crystal Palace on Sunday but the midfielder was forced off after just 26 minutes of that tie through injury, and was subsequently left out of Wednesday’s defeat to Arsenal.
The Croatian international picked up a ligament injury, which has ruled him out for at least two weeks, meaning that he will not recover in time for Sunday’s game against West Ham and will have to wait a little while longer to make his return to the side.
Speaking on Tuesday, Tuchel said: "Kova is out of the game (vs Arsenal), ligament injury. Hopefully, not longer than two weeks."
Callum Hudson-Odoi
Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi has been out of action since starting in the 3-2 victory over Luton Town in the FA Cup Fifth Round on March 2, before picking up an injury following his involvement in that match, along with some lower back problems in more recent times.
The 21-year-old has been suffering with Achilles tendon problems that have ruled him out of action ever since. Tuchel has confirmed that he is yet to join in with first team training and that he won’t be rushed back, meaning he will remain absent for the foreseeable future.
Speaking on Tuesday, Tuchel said: “With Callum, we take things day by day and week by week but it is not possible for him to join in with team training just yet. We will not rush him either."
Ben Chilwell
Left-back Ben Chilwell remains out for the season after undergoing surgery for a torn ACL back in December, with his last appearance coming in the 4-0 victory over Juventus in the Champions League group stage that month.
The England international has begun his rehabilitation and stepped up his recovery in recent weeks, while Tuchel has confirmed this week that he will begin training with the youth team, with the hope he can link up with the rest of the squad by the end of the season.
Speaking on Tuesday, Tuchel said: "Ben will be able to join in team training with the youth, this will be his next step in the weeks and hopefully, he can join our training at the end of the season."
