Chelsea are in line to receive several boosts on the injury front after the international break.
This may soften the blow of losing to Arsenal in the London derby, a result which saw Enzo Maresca’s side fail to capitalise on Manchester City dropping points at home to Brighton as the race for Champions League qualification heats up.
Of course, the Blues were rocked by the absence of Cole Palmer before kick-off at the Emirates Stadium. Whilst the injury has been described as a “very small one” it is significant enough to pull the attacking midfielder out of Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad.
The hope is that Palmer gets the required rest during the next fortnight to ensure he is fit enough for the visit of Tottenham when Premier League action resumes.
On a positive note, Romeo Lavia and Malo Gusto both made their returns against Arsenal as the Chelsea injury crisis slowly, but surely, eases up.
As Maresca plots a successful end to the campaign, here is the latest Chelsea injury news and return dates...
Cole Palmer
Chelsea were without Cole Palmer for Sunday’s Premier League clash with Arsenal, with Enzo Maresca suggesting the playmaker is likely to be out until after the international break.
Palmer had been ever-present for Chelsea in the league this season, starting each of their first 28 games, but an unspecified injury issue meant he could play no part at the Emirates Stadium.
"He had, or as we know, last week some problems [with illness]. And unfortunately yesterday he had a very small problem,” Maresca said. “We think, after the international break, he will be back with us.
“He had an injury yesterday during the session. It was a very light session. That’s why we think it is nothing important. But we wait and the feeling is he will be back after the next international break.”
Potential return date: April 3, vs Tottenham (H)
Nicolas Jackson
Nicolas Jackson is expected to be back after the March international break.
Jackson suffered a hamstring injury in the 2-1 win over West Ham at the start of February and his absence has left Chelsea without a natural centre-forward.
“Nico will be out until the international break, probably available after that,” said Maresca on February 13.
“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 3, vs Tottenham (H)
Noni Madueke
Noni Madueke has also been ruled out until April.
Madueke injured his hamstring in the 3-0 defeat at Brighton last month and will not be back until after the March international break.
“Noni probably will be out until the international break,” said Maresca last month.
Potential return date: April 3, vs Tottenham (H)
Marc Guiu
Marc Guiu has a hamstring injury and, he too, will not play again until after the March international break.
Potential return date: April 3, vs Tottenham (H)
