Chelsea Injury Update: When will the Blues return to full fitness?
Chelsea faced a rather surprising defeat against an inexperienced Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final, however, the Blues can complain of facing an injury crisis as well. Here’s what we know about the expected return and an injury update on key players of Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea.
Chelsea: Billion-pound bottle jobs or a victim of injuries?
The Stamford Bridge residents have been constantly criticized for underperforming this season. While some of the arguments may hold some merit, it would be inconsiderate to not mention the long list of players missing for Chelsea. The Blues have lost important players throughout the season at critical phases, denying the squad to enjoy normalcy. On the other hand, critics have stated that with a squad that deep, Pochettino’s men should have no reason to complain about injuries and need to win. Former Manchester United star, Gary Neville, even went on to call Chelsea ‘Billion-pound bottle jobs.’ While fans are free to choose either side in this debate, let’s take a look at the absentees for Chelsea.
Chelsea Injury Update: Return date for key players
Wesley Fofana:
The center back sustained a horrific ACL injury back in July and isn’t expected to return anytime soon. Chelsea expects Wesley to slowly return to group sessions at the end of March.
Expected Return Date: Pre season 24/25 campaign.
Romeo Lavia and Carney Chukwuemeka:
Romeo Lavia and Carney Chukwuemeka have both struggled with injuries this season. While Lavia suffered a thigh injury in December, Carney was ruled out with an ankle injury. The Chelsea backroom expects the two players to return in mid March.
Expected Return Date: Arsenal (A) – March 16
Thiago Silva:
Veteran Thiago Silva suffered a groin strain right before Chelsea’s tie against Liverpool. While the injury wasn’t serious, he didn’t feature in the final and will be back before Chelsea face Leeds midweek.
Expected Return Date: Leeds (H) – February 28
Marc Cucurella:
The left-back twisted his ankle back in December and is still steadily recovering from the incident. Cucurella is expected to return in early March.
Expected Return Date: Brentford (A) – March 2
Reece James:
Captain Reece James continues to be entangled in his unfortunate affair with injuries. The 24-year-old sustained yet another hamstring injury in December and is unlikely to return before April.
Expected Return Date: Sometime in April
Benoit Badiashile and Lesley Ugochukwu:
Chelsea’s prized signing last winter, Benoit Badiashile, hasn’t been a stranger to the injury ward of Chelsea. He has constantly encountered setbacks and sustained another strain in February. The center back is now expected to return in March.
Similarly, Chelsea bought Lesley Ugochukwu last summer to enforce their midfield, but unfortunately, he has been a victim of injuries as well. Lesley strained his hamstring in December and now won’t return until mid-March.
Expected Return Date: Anytime in mid-March.