The most recent updates on injuries at Chelsea as Graham Potter gets ready for this weekend's FA Cup match against Manchester City
Prior to Chelsea's second matchup with Manchester City in a few days, Graham Potter had taken three significant hits. On Sunday, January 8, the Premier League champions will host the Blues at the Etihad Stadium as they compete for a spot in the FA Cup fourth round.
Prior to the Premier League match against Pep Guardiola's team on Thursday night, Mason Mount suffered an injury and was unable to play. Just minutes into the first half, injuries forced the west Londoners to replace injured players Raheem Sterling and Christian Pulisic.
The trio add their names to a growing list of ailing athletes at the Cobham practise facility, where Potter may be managing as many as ten absences.
In light of this, football.london has examined all recent injury-related news and anticipated return dates.
Pulisic, Christian
Halfway through the first half, Pulisic was replaced after getting hurt in a John Stones tackle. The American international lost the challenge twice, and his despair was obvious.
He was eventually replaced by Carney Chukwuemeka, who excelled as a substitute. After stepping into Pulisic's shoes against City, the 19-year-old gave Potter some food for thought.
Due to an injury, Mason Mount Mount was left off the starting lineup for the Blues' match against City. According to football.london, the 23-year-old was left out of Chelsea's squad due to a problem discovered during practise.
The west Londoners are hoping that the England international will soon be able to make a comeback after reportedly taking a minor knock. Chelsea has a busy schedule ahead of them, with four more games scheduled within the next two weeks.
Prior to the match against Pep Guardiola's team, Potter disclosed it was caused by a kick in training in an interview with Sky Sports. Blues' manager said: "No, yesterday in training he received a kick. It never rains, but when it does, it pours."
Sterling, Raheem
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang took Sterling's spot in the first few minutes of Chelsea's match against City. The 28-year-old winger collided with Stones and collapsed to the ground while grinning.
Since moving from the Etihad Stadium to Stamford Bridge in the summer, he has done well to avoid getting hurt. Sterling now joins an increasing number of absentees who are suffering with ailments, which is sad for him.
It is unclear how serious Sterling's injury is from playing against his former team. After being replaced, the winger was seen moving unsupported with the team's medical staff as the home crowd cheered him on. This is only encouraging news.
Emmanuel Mendy
The Senegalese goalkeeper didn't play against Bournemouth and didn't even get off the bench against Forest. He had previously returned from international duty in October with an injury but continued to play for his club despite Kepa Arrizabalaga taking over as the No. 1 goalkeeper.
Potter's words: "He has been exercising a bit more than before. He's not quite fit yet, but he should improve over the course of the upcoming week or two."
Accident: Shoulder
Date of anticipated return: UnknownCharles James
James has experienced a setback in his recovery from the injury that prevented the defender from playing in the World Cup in Qatar, pulling up against the Cherries. With the caption "On the mend," James tweeted a photo of himself and N'Golo Kante healing. This lifted Chelsea supporters' spirits in the new year.Potter's words: "We are worried since it is the same location. Really, it's too early to say. Over the following 24-48 hours, we'll have to wait and watch. He reported feeling something there; we'll have to investigate further and hope for the best."
Ailment: knee
Date of anticipated return: mid-February
Fofana, Wesley
Welsey Fofana, a former Leicester player, has been absent for the majority of the season, but his influence at the back has been noticeable nonetheless. Although Thiago Silva and Kalidou Koulibaly have played well, the Frenchman is eager to play again soon.Wesley had a minor setback, which can occasionally occur at the very end of rehabilitation, so he will be out for a few of weeks, according to Potter.
Ailment: knee
Return is anticipated in early January.
Kante, N'Golo
2018 winners France stumbled at the last hurdle after also missing the World Cup, and some have suggested that N'Golo Kante's impact in midfield may have been missed.He'll be [the] end of February [or] the beginning of March, Potter said. Since it's surgery, at least four months are required. My main goal is to aid in his swift return to fitness.
Damage: Thigh
Date of anticipated return: mid-February
Chilwell, Ben
Ben Chilwell, a fellow defender who has once again missed significant portions of the Blues' season, will be eager to get well and boost Chelsea's prospects of finishing in the top four this year.
Ben has returned from his solitary work in Dubai, and Potter stated that he is now collaborating more closely with the lads but has not yet begun team training.
Damage: Thigh
Date of anticipated return: February
Theodore Loftus-Cheek
The versatility that Loftus-Cheek undoubtedly gives to this Chelsea team will be missed by Potter, who has been used in a variety of places thus far this season.
What Potter said: "We're hopeful that Ruben can be engaged next week, but we'll see how he goes. He's doing some training in the gym."
Ailment: calf
Return is anticipated in early January.
Andres Broja
It was just an unfortunate deed, Potter remarked. He was ensnared by the ground and their player. Currently, it doesn't appear promising, but it's too early to tell. Crossing fingers, although it's a strange one.
Ailment: knee
Date of anticipated return: late 2023