Chelsea were unable to go one further than last season in the EFL Cup as they were dumped out of the competition by Manchester City on Wednesday night. Two quickfire goals from Riyad Mahrez and Julian Alvarez in the early knockings of the second half gave the home side a grip on the game that they never let go of.
It comes as a huge blow to Graham Potter, with the cup offering the Blues a huge chance to create some momentum outside of their inconsistencies in the league. One final game remains for the side before the break for the World Cup, with Newcastle being their opponent.
A number of players remain on the treatment table heading into the clash though, meaning Potter has a depleted squad to select from. With that said, here's all the latest Chelsea injury news.
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Reece James
Reece James has been away in Dubai to see a specialist on his knee after hobbling off injured against AC Milan earlier this season.
James was initially thought to be okay, but the knock worsened in the days after the match, and James has been revealed as being out for at least eight weeks. The defender admitted he won't be playing during the World Cup in a statement released on social media.
What Potter said: "No miracles. Progressing... progressing well. Reece was outside today having a jog, but nothing to report in terms of anything else.
[Is there a timescale?] "Not really, no. It's just how he responds. We don't want to rush anything or have a timescale. That's for him and the doctors.
[Is he optimistic?] "You need to be."
Expected return date: Bournemouth (H), December 27.
Mateo Kovacic
The Croatian has been in and out of fitness all season and was on the bench against Arsenal after sitting out against Zagreb but playing against Brighton before captaining the side against Manchester City.
What Potter said: "He's just had an ongoing knee issue that is a little bit of discomfort. It hasn't stopped him completely. He's not able to play properly, certainly, we've had to be conscious of that during this period. It's not a massive problem for him.
"He'll be fine for the World Cup. I wouldn't necessarily say he's 100%, but he's not far off that. It's just we've managed it really well. He's managed it really well. He's a top professional. He's done everything he can in terms of rehab, looking after himself in the gym, and making sure his body is as good as can be. Fantastic professional.
"Yeah, I think it's been going on from pretty much pre-season, and we've tried to make the best of it."
Expected return date: Newcastle (A), November 12.
Jorginho
The Italian played 90 minutes against Arsenal and Dinamo Zagreb last week but was one of the players rested against Manchester City in the cup. A lack of other senior midfield options gave Denis Zakaria a start, with a trip to Newcastle at the weekend on the agenda for the Italian.
What Potter said: "Jorginho has a slight problem with his foot and is doubtful for tomorrow."
Expected return date: Newcastle (A), November 12.
Ben Chilwell
Chelsea have confirmed that Ben Chilwell is out of the World Cup after he limped off in the final moments of Chelsea's Champions League match against Dinamo Zagreb. He pulled up clutching his hamstring in the fourth minute of added time before being helped off the field by the Blues medical staff after the full-time whistle.
The 25-year-old had just recently recovered from a long-term knee injury but will now miss more action including England's World Cup campaign with another injury. He sent an emotional message after the diagnosis was made public.
Expected return date: Unknown.
Kepa Arrizabalaga
Chelsea's new first-choice keeper was subbed off at half-time against Brighton due to a foot injury and missed the final training session ahead of the win against Dinamo Zagreb. After the game on the south coast, the boss said: "He felt the bottom of his foot, so I don't know, it's too early yet. It was too bad for him to carry on. So that is disappointing for him because he is in a really good moment."
Edouard Mendy continued on in goal against Man City and looks set to continue against Newcastle, with Potter offering an update on the Spaniard's condition.
What Potter said: "Unavailable. [Fit for the World Cup?] We'll see."
"He's got to take it day by day. It's a tear in his plantar fascia, so depending on how he responds, responds to pain and how comfortable he feels. At the moment not so positive."
Wesley Fofana
Minimal news has come out regarding Wesley Fofana's knee injury suffered against AC Milan at the start of October that was set to keep him out 'for a few weeks '. The Frenchman is now set to travel to Dubai to continue his recovery.
What Potter said: N/A
Expected return date: Bournemouth (H), December 27.
Carney Chukwuemeka
Chukwuemeka was absent for the win against Zagreb. He was also ruled out of the 1-0 home defeat to Arsenal on Sunday.
What Potter said: "Carney [Chukwuemeka] has a slight issue with his hamstring that we are getting to the bottom of."
Expected return date: Unknown
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