Chelsea's major injury issues this season finally look to be over as several stars have returned with many also remaining fit after long-term absences. The Blues take on Brighton in the Premier League this weekend and despite Frank Lampard having a near-fully fit squad available a new name has been added to the injury list.
Kalidou Koulibaly was subbed off mid-way through the second half of the quarter-final defeat to Real Madrid and now Lampard has confirmed the severity of his injury. On the bright side, Thiago Silva and Mason Mount both made their playing returns in the mid-week European loss with Cesar Azpilicueta an unused substitute.
Following a long-term absence, N'Golo Kante looks as though he will be managed back into the fold carefully, but there is some concern a fresh injury blow has been suffered by the Frenchman.
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With that said. football.london has rounded up the latest Chelsea injury news ahead of their Premier League clash with Brighton today.
N'Golo Kante
N'Golo Kante played 75 minutes for Chelsea against Real Madrid on Wednesday evening, but the Frenchman was not spotted in the latest round of training pictures from Cobham. An indoor recovery session could be the reason fir his absence, but a fresh injury blow could be on the cards.
Kalidou Koulibaly
Kalidou Koulibaly started in a back three for Chelsea against Real and after a lung-busting run to track back and deny Rodrygo a chance, the defender pulled up clutching his hamstring. Frank Lampard has now provided the latest update on his injury confirming his absence for this weekend's game against Brighton.
What Lampard said: "No, he won't be available for either game," the 41-year-old said in response to Koulibaly's chances of playing in the next two fixtures.
"A hamstring injury, it will be a matter of weeks rather than days. He's a very good, very experienced player. "It's a disappointment for him and for us, but opportunity and we carry on without him. Hopefully, he gets fit as quick as he can."
Injury: Hamstring
Expected return date: Arsenal (A) May 2
Cesar Azpilicueta
Azpilicueta sustained a concussion against Southampton following a collision with striker Sekou Mara. The defender left the pitch on a stretcher and was taken to hospital but he's on the mend now as he eyes a return in the coming weeks.
What Lampard said: N/A
Injury: Concussion
Expected return date: Returned
Edouard Mendy
In January, Chelsea confirmed that Mendy underwent surgery on a fractured finger which he sustained during training. After an extended period of time on the sidelines, the Senegal international appears to be back in contention for selection.
Mendy was the starting goalkeeper under Frank Lampard during his first stint as manager but it remains to be seen whether he replaces Kepa Arrizabalaga in the side before the end of the season.
What Lampard said: N/A
Injury: Finger
Expected return date: Returned
Armando Broja
Chelsea have been without Broja for a while now after the striker suffered a knee injury in a mid-season friendly against Aston Villa. The 20-year-old screamed in pain following a collision with Ezri Konsa and he was subsequently stretchered off the field of play.
He looked to be in considerable pain and was seen to be clutching his leg as he was tended to by medical staff. The Albania international had no history of knee injuries and his injury was a major blow.
Broja has been expected to be out for at least the remainder of the season after learning that he needed surgery to fix a ruptured cruciate ligament in his right knee, football.london reported at the time. However, he's recently been pictured back in individual training at Cobham, albeit mostly gym work.
What Lampard said: N/A
Injury: Knee
Expected return date: Summer 2023
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