As Chelsea lurch their way through the season, so too are they limping at the business end of the year. The Blues are not out of a fitness crisis. It even stretches as far as their physio department, with a lengthy and important fixture list to contend with. With 44 players in his squad, manager Enzo Maresca is running point ahead of a Conference League last-16 clash with FC Copenhagen, and that squad looks more like a medical report than a football team.
A dominant 4-0 win over Southampton got fans excited briefly, but letโs be honest with you: Defeating the bottom club is nothing to be bragged about. However, Chelsea must demonstrate they can weather this storm without their key players to battle back.
Chelseaโs Walking Wounded: Whoโs Out and When Will They Return?
Chalobah was carried off late against Aston Villa with a back problem and was thought to be out for around 10 days. If all goes well, he should be available for the first leg against FC Copenhagen on March 6. Maresca doesnโt decide to bubble-wrap him until April? Thatโs assuming.
๐ฉบ Potential Return Date: March 6 vs FC Copenhagen (A)
In the career Lavia has had so far at Chelsea, his story can be told in two words: medical updates. Another hamstring setback ruled him out of action in January, his last appearance. He is not coming back until at the earliest, April, and Chelsea fans might start to ask whether they actually signed a footballer or an NFT.
๐ฉบ Potential Return Date: April 2 vs Tottenham (H)
Against West Ham, Jacksonโs form dropped before his hamstring gave up altogether. Scans showed more damage than was hoped for and removed any hope of a quick return. If they go six to eight weeks out, Chelsea will have to depend on alternative attacking options or pray for a sudden striker signing.
๐ฉบ Potential Return Date: April 2 vs Tottenham (H)
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