Chelsea suffered mixed fortunes when it came to manager Graham Potter informing the media of the current injury situation ahead of their AC Milan clash in the UEFA Champions League.
The Blues had multiple injuries to contend with upon the return of domestic football following the conclusion of the last international break prior to the 2022 FIFA World Cup kicking off at the end of November.
This didn't hamper Graham Potter's side at Selhurst Park over the weekend as Conor Gallagher's late strike earned Chelsea the first three points of the new era post-Thomas Tuchel.
READ MORE: Graham Potter confirms huge Chelsea injury boost amid big Edouard Mendy question vs AC Milan
With AC Milan up next, that win against the Eagles will give the west Londoners some renewed confidence that they can resurrect their Champions League Group E campaign after a somewhat sluggish start.
football.london previews the current injury headaches that Potter will have to think about when making his team selections for this match week 3 game in this season's competition.
N'Golo Kante
The Frenchman has been out of action since last August when he suffered a late hamstring injury against Tottenham.
Slowly but surely, he is working his way back to match fitness and despite training prior to the Palace trip, wasn't risked at all as he was was left completely out of the travelling contingent.
However, these few extra days seem to have worked a treat and at least a place on the bench could be on the cards for the 31-year-old.
What Potter said: "NG is training more and more. Not fully but getting closer. That is really positive. That’s about it I think.”
Expected return date: AC Milan (H), Wednesday, October 5
Marc Cucurella
The Spanish left-back was a surprise absentee from the match day squad for the win at the weekend. This was due to a jaw problem that had the former Brighton man hospitalised.
However, since the 2-1 victory, Cucurella has returned to training and with Potter not mentioning his name when talking about the latest team news, one would assume that he will be straight back into the squad for this clash against the Rossoneri.
Expected return date: AC Milan (H), Wednesday, October 5
Edouard Mendy
The Senegal international has been missing through injury since Thomas Tuchel was dismissed after the Dinamo Zagreb loss. Kepa Arrizabalaga has been ever-present between the sticks in recent weeks due to a knee injury suffered by the former Rennes man.
Ahead of AC Milan, Potter is pleased with the progress the 30-year-old is making and with these comments in mind, Chelsea's usual No. 1 could at least make the bench.
What Potter said: “Eddie has trained with the team for the last few days so is making progress. So he will be in the squad which is great news for us because it’s important to have as much competition for places as we can. So it’s great to have him back.
Expected return date: AC Milan (H), Wednesday, October 5
Jorginho
The Italian regista was hooked in the early parts of the second half against Crystal Palace. Not only did he struggle with the pace and tempo of the game, but he picked up an abdominal injury in the process.
Consequently, the 30-year-old is now a doubt ahead of this next UEFA Champions League clash.
What Potter said: "Jorgi felt a little discomfort in his abdominal area against Crystal Palace but has trained today, so we’ll see how he reacts to that and we’ll take a decision later today."
Expected return date: N/A but possibly AC Milan if all is good.
Kai Havertz
Another casualty from the weekend is the German forward, who netted two over the international break against England in the Nations League.
Havertz completed 75 minutes before he was hooked for who turned out to be the eventual match winner Gallagher. Unexpectedly though, despite being pictured in training on Tuesday, it's a real question as to whether or not the 23-year-old will make the cut due to a minor injury concern sustained in training.
What Potter said: Kai [Havertz] had a little feeling as well but he trained today.
Expected return date: N/A but possibly AC Milan if all is good.
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