Chelsea’s squad depth is being thoroughly tested as the festive fixture list looms large. Enzo Maresca’s side heads into this crucial period with significant absences, particularly in defence, where injuries have forced tactical adjustments and reliance on less familiar combinations. Here is the latest injury news and projected return dates for key players.
Reece James: Patience in Recovery
Reece James remains a symbol of Chelsea’s frustrations this season, with the club captain enduring yet another hamstring issue. His most recent setback occurred in training following a brief return to action in the draw with Arsenal in November. Having made just four appearances this term, James’ recovery is being handled with utmost caution to prevent further recurrence.
“Reece finally [on Friday] will start with us for part of the session, so slowly, slowly, he will be back,” Maresca confirmed. “That doesn’t mean he is going to be with us on Sunday [against Everton] or next Sunday. The plan for him [on Friday] is to be with the team for part of the session and from there to try to build the right condition for him.”
James’ availability remains uncertain, with Chelsea prioritising long-term fitness over immediate returns.
Potential return date: Unknown
Romeo Lavia: Edging Closer
Romeo Lavia’s absence in recent weeks has left Chelsea’s midfield options depleted. The 21-year-old was sidelined during the clash with Tottenham earlier this month but was thought to be nearing readiness for the Everton fixture. However, he did not make the squad, indicating a more conservative timeline for his return.
Encouragingly, Lavia is expected to feature before the year’s end, providing Maresca with a timely boost in midfield reinforcements.
Potential return date: Thursday, December 26, vs Fulham
Wesley Fofana: Extended Layoff
Wesley Fofana’s injury woes have struck again, with the French defender suffering a hamstring problem against Aston Villa earlier this month. Maresca initially estimated a recovery period of three to five weeks, but more recent comments suggest the timeline could be longer.
“Unfortunately it is bad news. A hamstring problem. These kind of things usually require three, four, five weeks,” Maresca said after the Villa match. Last week, he confirmed that Fofana and another key defender, Benoit Badiashile, are likely to remain unavailable for an extended period.
Potential return date: Unknown
Benoit Badiashile: Lingering Concerns
Benoit Badiashile’s absence compounds Chelsea’s defensive challenges. The centre-back sustained an injury in training ahead of the Brentford game, and details regarding the nature and severity of the issue remain unclear. Like Fofana, Badiashile is not expected to return before the new year.
Maresca reiterated, “Both are still out and both will still be out for a long period.”
Potential return date: Unknown
Carney Chukwuemeka: Fitness and Future in Question
Carney Chukwuemeka’s exclusion from recent squads has been attributed to illness, but uncertainty surrounds his Chelsea future as well. Maresca’s remarks have hinted that the midfielder could be on the move during the January transfer window.
“There are players that unfortunately didn’t play a lot with us in all the competitions, like Chilwell, like Carney,” Maresca said. “Probably they’re the first that will want to leave because they work every day because they want to play.”
Chukwuemeka is expected to return to contention for the Fulham match, assuming no further complications.
Potential return date: Thursday, December 26, vs Fulham
Tactical Adjustments Amid Injury Woes
In light of these injuries, Maresca has been forced to innovate. Against Everton, Axel Disasi featured at right-back, while Tosin Adarabioyo partnered Levi Colwill in central defence. These adjustments underline the challenges Chelsea face during a hectic December schedule, where maintaining momentum and resilience is paramount.
