The international break has not been a fruitful one for Mauricio Pochettino and Chelsea as they look to finish the season strongly. The Blues welcome relegation-bound Burnley to Stamford Bridge on Saturday as they look to mount a challenge on the European spots.
The manager will be unable to call upon summer signing Romeo Lavia for any of the final ten league games, though. He has been ruled out now for the remainder of the campaign whilst long-term worries remain for a handful of other players in the group.
Luckily for Pochettino, there is hope that Malo Gusto and Cole Palmer will be fit enough to feature at SW6. The pair returned to training ahead of the game on Wednesday and look to be in contention after a mixed time away with their countries.
Romeo Lavia
Injury: Thigh.
Chelsea have confirmed that Lavia will not play again this season. He has only made one appearance – a 30 minute cameo from the bench against Crystal Palace on December 27 – having arrived in the summer.
“Midfielder Romeo Lavia is to unfortunately miss the remainder of our 2023-24 campaign following a setback in his recovery,” a statement from the club read. “Recent medical assessments have confirmed that Lavia, who sustained a significant thigh injury against Crystal Palace back in December, will not feature again this season.”
Lavia wrote on Instagram: “Hi Chelsea family. As you may know and despite my countless efforts, I will be missing the remainder of the season. This has been a frustrating season for me, not being able to help my teammates.
“I love this squad, this badge and being on the pitch more than anything. Trust that I have given my all everyday to get back. Thank you for the love, support and critics because they all affect me positively and keep me going.
“Can’t wait to give it back and share many special moments together [blue heart emoji] See you soon.”
Possible return date: Next season.
Cole Palmer
Injury: N/A.
Palmer was not seen in England training ahead of Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Brazil and did not make the squad list at Wembley. He was selected on the bench but did not appear against Belgium on Tuesday.
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Palmer returned to Chelsea training on Wednesday at Cobham.
Possible return date: Burnley (H) – March 30.
Carney Chukwuemeka
Injury: Fitness
Chukwuemeka has withdrawn from the England under-21 squad for the win over Azerbaijan last week and has returned to Chelsea, meaning he did feature against Luxembourg on Tuesday. Chelsea said he had “returned early to work on his fitness at Cobham, as he looks to play a key role in the remainder of the season.”
Possible return date: Burnley (H) – March 30.
Malo Gusto
Injury: Illness.
Gusto returned home from France under-23 duty due to illness. He trained with his teammates ahead of Burnley on Wednesday at the Surrey training base.
Possible return date: Burnley (H) – March 30.
Levi Colwill
Injury: Toe.
Colwill’s toe problem has kept him out of England’s internationals this break, which does not bode well for his Euro 2024 hopes. He has not been seen in training pictures released in the build-up to the game.
What Pochettino has said: “We only found out after the [Brentford] game. We finished with two players who then couldn’t train. Levi’s problem is his toe.”
Possible return date: Burnley (H) – March 30.
Christopher Nkunku
Injury: Hamstring.
Nkunku has struggled with injuries for most of the season and is currently out with a hamstring issue. He has consequently struggled for match fitness and his maiden season at Stamford Bridge is virtually a write-off.
What Pochettino has said: “I think he suffered a problem in his hamstring and we will see in a few weeks if he can be again available. But yes, now he is doing recovery from Sunday. A little bit unlucky, bad luck because to suffer again another setback.
“It’s always tough for a player that didn’t play too much during the season that also came from the Bundesliga, from Germany, with some problems. He was so good in the pre-season. It is a difficult season for him. It is difficult to accept another injury and to delay to play more consistent.”
Possible return date: Unknown.
Reece James
Injury: Hamstring.
James has begun his rehabilitation after hamstring surgery at the end of last year – a procedure that is considered uncommon. He is working his way back but the club will not wish to rush him given the nature of his treatment.
What Pochettino has said: “We were talking and he has started his recovery, one day closer to being with the group. This is really positive and we’re all positive around him, we are going to help.
“It’s tough for a player with a very complicated and difficult season for him. Now’s the process to start to recover and it’s one day less until he’s part of the group. The most important thing is to start to solve the problem and help him to be strong.”
Possible return date: April.
Lesley Ugochukwu
Injury: Hamstring.
The midfielder has missed more than the last 20 matches with his current issue and is expected to see that number rise. His last outing came back in December and he has not been seen since with no further update coming either.
Possible return date: Next season.
Wesley Fofana
Injury: Knee.
Fofana is back on the grass at Cobham but is considered to be a long way from returning from his ACL rupture. He isn’t expected to play this season.
What Pochettino has said: “Unfortunately, I think it is difficult to see Wes playing this season, but you never know.”
Possible return date: Next season.
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