Full Chelsea injury list vs Newcastle as Mauricio Pochettino faces crisis
Chelsea were hit with fresh injury woes ahead of their Premier League six-pointer against Newcastle United. In a game that could be pivotal in deciding both clubs' season, Mauricio Pochettino announced Ben Chilwell and Levi Colwill will miss out at his pre-match press conference. That increases the crocked list to 11 players - a feeling Newcastle fans know all too well.
The bulk of Eddie Howe's injury woes appear behind him, with the Magpies putting in an assured display against Wolverhampton Wanderers last time out. Here is your injury round-up from the home dugout as Chelsea prepare to welcome Newcastle to Stamford Bridge on Monday.
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Hide AdBen Chilwell - Knee
Can he stay fit? The £50million man has spent more time on the treatment table than anything else since arriving four years ago. He has now suffered a knee injury and could be out for some time.
Possible return: Unknown (not anytime soon)
Levi Colwill - Toe
Just as the defender was easing back from a hamstring injury, he picked up another knock. This is not expected to be serious but he will miss the Newcastle game.
Possible return: Unknown (not serious)
Christopher Nkunku - Hamstring
The Frenchman has struggled to stay fit in a frustrating debut season at Stamford Bridge. When fit, he has looked bright, but he must improve or else risk becoming an expensive flop.
Carney Chukwuemeka - Ankle
Chukwuemeka is continuing his rehabilitation for an ankle injury and could return later this month.
Possible return: End of March
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Hide AdLesley Ugochukwu - Hamstring
The midfielder last played in the 2-1 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Christmas Eve. Pochettino described his setback as a “minor” issue at the time.
Possible return: Unknown
Romeo Lavia - Thigh
Chelsea fans could be forgiven for thinking Lavia does not exist at all. A nightmare debut campaign is not expected to get better anytime soon.
Possible return: Unknown
Thiago Silva - Groin
He picked up a “knock” against Crystal Palace three weeks ago and has not been seen since. Silva returned to the matchday squad last week so could feature against Newcastle.
Possible return: Monday (vs Newcastle)
Marc Cucurella - Ankle
Another who made the bench against Brentford. The Spaniard has not been seen since December and could make a return on Monday.
Possible return: Monday (vs Newcastle)
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Hide AdBenoit Badiashile - Groin
A four-week prognosis when the injury happened should make him available to face Newcastle. It remains to be season whether that proves the case.
Possible return: Monday (vs Newcastle)
Wesley Fofana - Knee
No kicked a ball all season after rupturing his ACL in July. Pochettino has warned that the Frenchman may not feature at all in 2023-24.
Possible return: Next season
Reece James - Hamstring
Another injury-hit campaign for the skipper. Has not been seen since December following surgery.
Possible return: April
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