Chelsea may have avoided a major injury blow in one of very few positive to come from their defeat against Aston Villa.
The Blues slumped to a 2-1 loss at Villa Park at the weekend, despite leading at the break thanks to a Enzo Fernandez strike.
It is now just two wins in ten Premier League matches for Chelsea, though Enzo Maresca’s squad don’t have much time to reflect on Saturday’s disappointment as they are back in action on Tuesday night with the visit of bottom side Southampton.
A top four finish and Champions League qualification is still very much in reach for the west Londonder, but they must address their slump immediately.
Ahead of a crucial period in their season, here’s a look at the latest Chelsea injures…
Trevoh Chalobah
Prior to Enzo Fernandez breaking the deadlock against Villa, Trevoh Chalobah was forced off with an apparent back issue.
Given Chelsea’s lack of central defenders at the moment, the last thing Maresca needs is an injury in this department, especially with the Conference League campaign restarting shortly.
With that said, it would appear Chalobah’s injury isn’t too serious.
“I'm not sure at the moment with Trev,” Maresca told reporters. “We will see. It is early so we will see tomorrow. It looks quite good now but I don’t know.”
Potential return date: Unknown
Noni Madueke
Noni Madueke was forced off in the first half against Brighton with a hamstring injury.
Madueke pulled up after making a burst down the right and crossing for Cole Palmer.
The winger immediately went to ground and was treated on the pitch before being replaced by Jadon Sancho.
Speaking before the Aston Villa game, Maresca confirmed Madueke is expected to be out until after next month’s international break.
“Fortunately we don’t have any update in terms of the ones that are injured are the same,” Maresca told reporters. “We don’t have any additions.
“Noni probably will be out until the international break.”
Potential return date: April
Nicolas Jackson
Nicolas Jackson is facing a significant spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.
Maresca has confirmed Jackson will be out after the March international break.
Speaking before the Brighton game, Maresca said: “Nico will be out until the intentional break, probably available after that.
“We knew that it was a muscular problem, but we did not know how important it was because his reaction was quite good we did not think it was a big injury.
“Unfortunately he had a scan a few days ago and it is an important one, it will be around eight to six weeks.”
Potential return date: April
Romeo Lavia
Romeo Lavia suffered a muscle injury in the draw with Bournemouth in January.
Speaking before the Brighton game earlier in the month, Maresca confirmed the midfielder was in the “process” of making his comeback.
Potential return date: Unknown
Marc Guiu
Marc Guiu suffered a “bad” injury against West Ham and is facing “weeks or months” out of action, Maresca has said.
Potential return date: Unknown
Wesley Fofana
There is better news surrounding defender Wesley Fofana, who is closing in on a comeback after returning to training.
Fofana has been out since the start of the December with a hamstring injury and there were initial fears he could miss the rest of the season.
But Enzo Maresca has recently confirmed the defender is back in training and could be back in action in “two or three weeks”.
“Wes Fofana started to work with us two days ago,” said Maresca.
“That means he still needs two or three weeks to be 100 per cent fit. But at least he has started to work with us.”
Potential return date: April
Benoit Badiashile
Benoit Badiashile and is also said to be in the “process” of making his comeback.
Potential return date: Unknown
