James, Lavia and more: latest Chelsea injury roundup and potential return dates

Chelsea went into the September international break on the back of a disappointing 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest.

The Blues are also suffering from some major injury problems, with multiple key players out with knocks.

Here we look at all the injured first-team stars and when they could potentially return to action.

Reece James

The Chelsea captain sustained a hamstring injury in training last month and has missed the last few games due to it. For the time being, there is no confirmation on when he’ll be back as the Englishman works hard on regaining fitness.

Potential return date: N/A

Romeo Lavia

The new midfielder missed the last few games due to a lack of match fitness. However, he should work on that during the international break and could make his debut later this month.

Potential return date: Bournemouth (September 17)

Benoit Badiashile

Badiashile is yet to feature for the Blues this season due to a hamstring injury suffered at the end of last season but is working hard on gaining full fitness. He is likely to return later this month too.

Potential return date: Bournemouth (September 17)

Carney Chukwuemka

Chukwuemake suffered an unlucky knock after his impressive goal against West Ham United last month. He is recovering from the knee injury, but shouldn’t be out for that long.

Potential return date: October

Trevoh Chalobah

Despite being involved in a crazy transfer deadline day saga, Chalobah is still part of Chelsea’s first-team squad and should have gained full fitness to return to the fold soon.

Potential return date: Bournemouth (September 17)

Christopher Nkunku

Nkunku was extremely unfortunate to suffer a knee injury in pre-season, which will rule him out for the first few months of the new campaign.

Potential return date: January 2024

Armando Broja

Broja is yet to feature for Chelsea since suffering a nasty ACL injury last year, but is part of Pochettino’s plans. He could return to the frame later this month, too.

Potential return date: Bournemouth (September 17)

Wesley Fofana

The Frenchman ruptured his ACL in pre-season and forced Chelsea to sign Axel Disasi in the summer transfer window. He is likely to be out for the entire season unless something miraculous happens in his recovery.

Potential return date: Next season