Graham Potter will have been disappointed to hear that Wesley Fofana and Mason Mount have been recalled from international duty due to injury concerns. But, at the same time, the Chelsea boss can be assured that the duo will be under close examination at Cobham training ground.
Fofana and Mount are not the only players nursing issues over the international break. N'Golo Kante has stepped up his recovery plan, meanwhile Raheem Sterling was left out of Gareth Southgate's squad as a precaution. Not to mention Cesar Azpilicueta, Thiago Silva and Edouard Mendy, who are all closing in on returns as well.
Silva and Mendy will certainly be welcomed additions back into the Chelsea starting lineup after Kalidou Koulibaly and Kepa Arrizabalaga were thrown under the spotlight in the disappointing draw with Everton. But, for now, Potter will just be hoping that none of his squad pick up anymore knocks.
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So, with that being said, football.london rounds up all the latest injury news at Stamford Bridge amid the international break.
Wesley Fofana
After Potter revealed Fofana had been taken off due to fatigue, it has become clear that the defender has picked up another injury. The Frenchman was spotted in the dugout at Stamford Bridge with an ice pack on his right thigh, leaving some supporters to fear the worst.
He will now remain in England and look to make a return against Aston Villa.
What Potter has said: "Wes Fofana had to come off with fatigue, as he has had a long time out. He was feeling his hamstring. Wes was fantastic and defended well."
Injury: Hamstring
Expected return date: Aston Villa (H) - April 1
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.
What Potter has said: "Raheem has a problem with his hamstring. It's not too serious but he'll miss the game at the weekend and the international trip."
Injury: Hamstring
Expected return date: Aston Villa (H) - April 1
Mason Mount
Mason Mount has missed a number of games recently due to various injury issues. He has been in and out of training, but returned on Tuesday along with a number of other teammates.
However, Potter claimed he will also not play for England despite receiving a call-up. Mount was called-up to Gareth Southgate's squad but then later pulled out.
What Potter said: "It's the same with Mason. He'll miss the England camp as well."
Injury: Lower abdomen
Expected return date: Aston Villa (H) - April 1
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 on Tuesday, pictured alongside his fellow goalkeepers Kepa Arrizabalaga and Marcus Bettinelli.
Injury: Finger
Expected return date: Aston Villa (H) - April 1
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.
What Potter said: "Azpilicueta had a knock in training, he's had a problem there."
Injury: Concussion
Expected return date: Aston Villa (H) - April 1
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."
What Potter said: "Thiago will be around that time [six weeks], not sure exactly."
Injury: Knee
Expected return date: April
Armando Broja
Chelsea are set to be without Broja until at least the summer months, 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 is expected to be out for at least the remainder of the season after learning that he needs surgery to fix a ruptured cruciate ligament in his right knee, football.london understands.
What Potter 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/Autumn 2023
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