Bruno Saltor is set to take charge of Chelsea for the crucial Premier League clash against Liverpool this evening. Graham Potter was sacked on Sunday evening following the Blues disappointing 2-0 defeat against Aston Villa.
The defeat has put immense pressure on the Blues boss once more with the club finally acting by dismissing Potter from his position as manager. Whilst the search now begins once again for a replacement in the dugout, Bruno is facing a number of injury concerns ahead of the clash against Jurgen Klopp's side.
Chelsea welcomed back Reece James, Christian Pulisic, N'Golo Kante and Mason Mount at the weekend and all may be involved this evening. Wesley Fofana and Raheem Sterling missed the game but have taken part in training and could be involved in the matchday squad to face Liverpool.
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With that being said, football.london takes a look at the latest injury news facing Bruno ahead of his first game in charge as interim boss.
Raheem Sterling
After scoring a crucial goal against Borussia Dortmund, Sterling has faced another brief spell out of the team with Potter confirming the winger had a fresh fitness concern. He was also left out of Gareth Southgate's England squad for the international break as a precaution.
His spell on the treatment table appears to be behind him though, after the club confirmed he was back in training, with a comeback against Liverpool more likely.
What has been said: "Raheem is coming back. He will miss the game, think he's got more chance for Tuesday. He was close."
Injury: Hamstring
Expected return date: Liverpool (H) - April 4
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 finally made his return to training last week, pictured alongside his fellow goalkeepers Kepa Arrizabalaga and Marcus Bettinelli.
He didn't make the team against Villa though, with Potter saying he wasn't ready.
Injury: Finger
Expected return date: Liverpool (H), April 4.
Wesley Fofana
Potter revealed Fofana had been taken off against Everton due to fatigue. The Chelsea boss claimed that the defender he was simply 'feeling his hamstring' despite many suspecting he had picked up another injury.
Fofana was later spotted in the dugout at Stamford Bridge with an ice pack on his right thigh, leaving some supporters to fear the worst. As such, he remained in England in an effort to make a return against Aston Villa, but that doesn't seem possible, with a return against Liverpool more likely.
What has been said: "Wesley is going to miss the game [against Aston Villa] because his hamstring is still a little bit tight, there's a chance for Tuesday with him."
Injury: Hamstring
Expected return date: Liverpool (H) - April 4
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. However, Potter admitted that the player would still be missing against Aston Villa, with no update ahead of Liverpool.
What has been said: "Well, Thiago and Azpi are still away."
Injury: Concussion
Expected return date: Unknown
Thiago Silva
Silva was forced off with a knee injury in the Blues' clash with Tottenham. The following Tuesday, Chelsea released a statement detailing his diagnosis. The time off has been detailed as roughly six weeks, meaning he should return to action in early April.
His wife has since posted a video of him getting treated at their home, writing on Instagram: "The needles are on top of the ligament, emitting shocks due to use, it hurts so much." Silva is still away from action as Potter detailed the latest on him ahead of the clash with Villa, again with no update ahead of Liverpool.
What has been said: "Well, Thiago and Azpi are still away."
Injury: Knee
Expected return date: April
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 is 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 was said: ''It was just an unfortunate action. He got caught up with their player and the ground. It doesn’t look positive at the moment but it’s too early to say. Fingers crossed but it is an awkward one.''
Injury: Knee
Expected return date: Summer 2023
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