Joao Felix, Reece James, Thiago Silva: Chelsea injury news and return dates

Chelsea injury news: The latest Blues updates from the treatment room following Chelsea's 3-1 win over Leicester City in the Premier League

Graham Potter has calmed the nerves of countless Chelsea fans across the world following the Blues' win over Leicester City. Joao Felix was replaced by Conor Gallagher at half-time and, having been on the receiving end of various dangerous challenges, it was speculated that the on-loan Atletico Madrid star had picked up a knock.

But, in the post-match press conference, Potter revealed that it was just a tactical decision to withdraw Felix. In other injury news, the west London outfit will be hoping to Reece James back in action soon as he nurses a minor illness.

Chelsea will also be glad to see the potential return of Raheem Sterling in the next few days after impressing against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League. As for Mason Mount, it looks like the midfielder could struggle to get back into the starting lineup with Potter's project starting to take shape.

So, with that being said, football.london takes you through the latest injury news ahead of Chelsea's clash with Leicester City.

In the clash with Leicester, Ricardo Pereira was pictured tussling with Felix in a 'disgusting' manner. The Foxes defender appeared to plant the underside of his boot onto the Chelsea star's right ankle, causing him quite considerable pain.

Andre Marriner, the on-field referee, did not deem Pereira's challenge to be a foul nor did VAR, who didn't check the altercation. Felix, who was subject to a number of fouls on Saturday afternoon, was then taken off at half-time but Potter has clarified it was a tactical decision.

What Potter has said: "No [he did not pick up an injury], just tactically, I wanted to use an extra midfielder. I felt we needed someone who could ball win, a different profile and I thought Conor was fantastic when he came on."

Injury: N/A

Expected return date: Everton (H) March 18.

What Potter has said: "Reece [James] has been ill so hasn’t trained today. He won’t make the game tomorrow."

Injury: Illness

Expected return date: Everton (H) March 18.

What Potter has said: "Raheem [Sterling] has had a little feeling in his hamstring, tightness if anything, so he's looking doubtful."

Injury: Hamstring

Expected return date: Everton (H) - Saturday, March 18.

The chances of Aubameyang winning a spot back in the Chelsea team have taken another hit with the veteran forward suffering from a problem in his back. The Blues frontline is beginning to take shape with Kai Havertz bagging another goal this weekend.

What Potter has said: "[Pierre-Emerick] Aubameyang has a slight problem with his back and he's looking likely he will miss the game."

Injury: Back

Expected return date: Everton (H) - Saturday, March 18.

Mason Mount has struggled to break into the first-team in recent weeks. The midfielder has missed out a number of games after suffering with an issue in his lower abdomen.

He returned to training on Thursday but was absent from the matchday squad.

What Potter said: "Mason’s had a problem with his lower abdomen area, the bone, so he’ll miss the game tomorrow [against Leeds]. We hope it won’t be too long but tomorrow will be too soon."

Injury: Lower abdomen

Expected return date: Everton (H) - Saturday, March 18.

Kante, who sees his contract at Chelsea expire in the summer, is yet to feature under Potter after suffering a hamstring injury against Tottenham in August. The midfielder has recently returned to first-team training but is yet to be included on the team sheet.

It remains to be seen exactly how long it will take for him to return to full fitness but his return will be a hugely welcome boost.

What Potter said: "He won’t be – still needs more time to build up. We aiming maybe for Everton. Unfortunately, not for tomorrow."

Injury: Hamstring

Expected Return date: Everton (H) - Saturday, March 18.

Azpilicueta sustained a concussion against Southampton following a collision with striker Sekou Mara. The defender left the pitch on a stretcher and was taken to hospital but he's on the mend now as he eyes a return. He was at the stadium against Tottenham but not as part of the matchday squad.

Both Dortmund and Leicester were also too soon for the Chelsea captain, with more time needed before he can return.

What Potter said: "Azpi [Cesar Azpilicueta] has made progress but is not through protocols after a head injury like that.”

Injury: Concussion

Expected return date: March

Silva was forced off with a knee injury in the Blues' clash with Tottenham. The following Tuesday, Chelsea released a statement detailing his diagnosis.

What Potter said: "Thiago will be around that time [six weeks], not sure exactly."

Injury: Knee

Expected return date: April

What Potter said: "Mendy’s making progress but he's not yet joined full training with the group."

Injury: Finger

Expected return date: Late March to April

He looked to be in considerable pain and was seen to be clutching his leg as he was tended to by medical staff. The Albania international had no history of knee injuries and his injury is a major blow with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang out of favour at present.

Broja is expected to be out for at least the remainder of the season after learning that he needs surgery to fix a ruptured cruciate ligament in his right knee, football.london understands.

What Potter said: ''It was just an unfortunate action. He got caught up with their player and the ground. It doesn’t look positive at the moment but it’s too early to say. Fingers crossed but it is an awkward one.''

Injury: Knee

Expected return date: Summer/Autumn 2023