Chelsea FC injury update: Romeo Lavia, Cole Palmer, Reece James and Armanda Broja, latest news and return dates
There seemed to be light at the end of the injury tunnel for Chelsea, but then came the international break.
Romeo Lavia, Armando Broja, Cole Palmer and Mykhailo Mudryk have also suffered from fitness problems in the past week and several players are still due for another international appearance.
At least there is good news about Reece James.
Here are all the latest Chelsea injuries…
Romeo Lavia
Romeo Lavia is yet to make his Chelsea debut after joining from Southampton in a £58million deal after being unfit for the game and then suffering an ankle injury in training.
Although the midfielder has not suffered such a setback and a possible first game in Chelsea colors could take place in November, the club wants to be cautious with the youngster.
Therefore, Lavia may not be in danger until early December and before the club’s busy calendar of celebrations. He no longer has to wear protective boots and began rehab work in the swimming pool before the international break in October.
Possible return date: Beginning of December 2023
Cole Palmer
Cole Palmer has impressed since joining from Manchester City on Deadline Day, scoring his first goal for the club in the final game before the international break.
The youngster had to overcome a thigh injury during England’s Under-21s’ 9-1 win over Serbia last week but was substituted at half-time.
Manager Lee Carsley tried to allay fears of a serious injury, telling reporters: “I think Cole would be fine, but we’re not taking any chances with any of the players.”
“If there is slight doubt that they will miss a game at the weekend, we will get them back to the clubs as quickly as possible. We could have kept Cole here another day and seen what it was like, but we didn’t think it was right. Everyone else is fine, a few colds and sniffles.
Possible return date: Saturday October 21, 2023 against Arsenal
Armando Broja
Chelsea are again suffering from injury concerns over Armando Broja after the striker was also forced to miss his international debut. Albania coach Sylvinho said: “As for Broja, I have to give bad news. He was only with the team for two days.”
“After consulting with our doctors and those at Chelsea he cannot make it, he will not be ready tomorrow. We have to evaluate other players.”
After returning to the team after a break of more than nine months due to a serious knee injury, Broja has made a breakthrough again. Any doubts about a new injury will therefore be a major concern for Mauricio Pochettino.
Reece James
Finally, it appears that Chelsea club captain James will be available for selection again after further hamstring problems.
A Football Association (FA) one-match ban for confronting an official in the tunnel after the defeat to Aston Villa prevented a comeback against Burnley, but there are hopes the England international will be back after the break.
Possible return date: Saturday October 21, 2023 against Arsenal
Axel Disasi
Disasi was included in the French squad alongside Malo Gusto as replacements for Jules Kounde and Dayot Upamecano, but left just hours later due to what the French Football Federation (FFF) described as a “torn quadriceps of the left thigh”.
He will no doubt now be examined by the Blues’ medical staff, although it seems unlikely that he will be able to play in a major London derby against title contenders Arsenal straight after the break.
Possible return date: November 2023
Mykhailo Mudryk
Mudryk allayed injury fears by making a late appearance from the bench in the 4-1 comeback win at Burnley before the international break, but required treatment before being substituted in Ukraine’s 2-0 win over North Macedonia last week became.
More clarity on his fitness is expected soon with Ukraine set to return to action on Tuesday.
Possible return date: Saturday October 21, 2023 against Arsenal
Benoit Badiashile
The French defender is yet to kick an angry ball this season after suffering a hamstring injury in pre-season.
But after one or two setbacks, Badiashile is finally back in training and could soon be back in the first team.
Possible return date: Saturday October 28, 2023 against Brentford
Ben Chillwell
Vice-captain Chilwell suffered a hamstring injury late in the Carabao Cup third round win over Brighton and is not expected back until December at the earliest.
It is the English left-back’s third such problem in less than a year and is a cause for concern at Chelsea.
Possible return date: December 2023
Christopher Nkunku
The big summer signing had to undergo knee surgery after a collision during a friendly against Borussia Dortmund in the USA.
Not back in team training yet, a return this year seems increasingly unlikely. However, Nkunku has posted positive videos on social media showing him increasing his workload and rehabilitation behind the scenes.
Possible return date: January 2024
Wesley Fofana
The hapless French defender has struggled to return to action this season following a cruciate ligament injury sustained in pre-season.
Possible return date: Summer 2024
