Chelsea are set to make the trip to the north east to face Middlesbrough in the FA Cup quarter-finals, with a place in the final four up for grabs. Thomas Tuchel will be hoping his side can progress in the competition, adding more potential silverware to the trophy cabinet.
The Blues will want it to be third time lucky in the world’s oldest football competition, having made the final in the past two seasons but losing at Wembley to Arsenal and most recently, Leicester. Despite already beating lower league opposition this season, Middlesbrough will not simply roll over.
The Championship side have already beaten Premier League opponents in the FA Cup to reach the final eight, defeating both Tottenham and Manchester United already. There will be a swell of support at the Riverside and with few away fans there for Chelsea, it could be a tough ask.
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Tuchel will have a nearly full squad at his disposal, though there will be some injury concerns ahead of the trip. With all that said, here’s a look at the latest Chelsea injury news.
Reece James
Reece James made his return from a long-term hamstring injury that he picked up against Brighton in 2021. The full-back scored against Newcastle, but was soon sidelined yet again soon after.
The 22-year-old was called up for Gareth Southgate’s England squad though, meaning he could return very soon. Tuchel also confirmed there will be tests ahead of the clash with Middlesbrough, making him a doubt.
What Thomas Tuchel said: “Yesterday, he [Reece James] was not match-ready. Let's see what happens tomorrow. We comes after nine weeks of injury and we will test if he can do the full match tomorrow.”
Expected return: N/A
Andreas Christensen
Andreas Christensen had to be substituted in the first-half against Lille on Wednesday in the Champions League. The Dane suffered what looked like a muscular issue, putting doubt over his ability to travel to the Riverside.
What Thomas Tuchel said: “Andreas Christensen are uncertain. They are in training but weren't in full training… It will be a tight race but maybe too close.”
Expected return: N/A
Callum Hudson-Odoi
Callum Hudson-Odoi has struggled with an Achilles injury that has kept him out for a few weeks now. The 21-year-old will be unlikely to make his return for the game at Middlesbrough.
What Thomas Tuchel said: “Callum [Hudson-Odoi] and Andreas Christensen are uncertain. They are in training but weren't in full training... It will be a tight race but maybe too close.”
Expected return: N/A
Ben Chilwell
Ben Chilwell suffered a cruciate ligament injury in his knee that is set to keep the wing-back out for the rest of the season. The 25-year-old performed well in the early stages of the season, but won’t make a return until the summer.
Expected return: Summer 2022
