Chelsea injury round-up and expected return dates including James, Fofana and Kepa - The Mirror

The Blues have less than one week until their return to domestic action on Tuesday but Graham Potter’s side continue to be plagued by injuries ahead of their clash with Bournemouth

Chelsea could remain without a number of first team stars when they take on Bournemouth on their return to Premier League action on December 27.

The Blues were missing six players for their 1-0 defeat to Newcastle before the month-long international break and a further three squad members have been added to the injury list ahead of next week. However, there is optimism that some may return to take on the Cherries on Tuesday.

Here is all you need to know about the current state of play at Stamford Bridge and the expected return date for those out on the sidelines.

Reece James

Chelsea defender Reece James could finally be set for a return to action when Chelsea take on Bournemouth next week after stepping up the final stages of his recovery throughout the recent World Cup break.

James fell victim to a knee injury against AC Milan in October and was left out of England’s World Cup squad as a result. However, The Athletic have reported that he is one of three players who are expected to return for Graham Potter’s side on December 27.

It was also revealed that James played 60 minutes in a recent behind-closed-doors friendly victory over Brentford, meaning that the 23-year-old is almost certain to play his part on Chelsea’s return to domestic action next week.

Who should start Chelsea's first game back against Bournemouth? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

Wesley Fofana

Summer signing Wesley Fofana has had a slow start to life at Chelsea but he is also nearing a full return to action after missing the last two-and-a-half months with a knee injury.

The Frenchman was forced off against AC Milan on October 5 and was ruled out of the World Cup as a result. However, Fofana has been handed a fresh injury scare after being forced off in Chelsea’s secret training ground friendly with Brentford on Tuesday.

The severity of the injury is not yet known, although Fofana has since shed some light after breaking his silence via social media. On his Instagram account, he said: "Nothing bad champions in not even 1 month we're back to break everything."

Kepa Arrizabalaga

Spanish shot-stopper Kepa Arrizabalaga remains a doubt ahead of Chelsea’s clash with Bournemouth as he steps up his recovery from a long-term foot injury.

The Blues goalkeeper was substituted during the 4-1 defeat to Brighton on October 29 but is well into his rehab and has a strong chance of returning to the side for the resumption of Chelsea’s Premier League campaign next week.

Nonetheless, an update is expected to be provided by Potter in the coming hours and days.

Ben Chilwell

Left back Ben Chilwell has had rotten luck with injuries this season and was ruled out with a fresh long-term issue following the 2-1 victory over Dinamo Zagreb on November 2.

Like James, he was ruled out of England’s World Cup squad and it was feared that the 26-year-old could miss up to three months of action. Chilwell did travel with the squad for their mid-season training camp in Dubai, but is not expected to return against Bournemouth.

Speaking on December 7, Potter said: “Ben has come back from his individual work in Dubai, and he's now working closer with the guys but still not team training.”

Ruben Loftus-Cheek

Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek remains a doubt for Tuesday’s clash with Bournemouth as he continues to recover from a calf injury.

The Englishman sustained the issue in the 1-0 defeat to Newcastle on November 12 in the Blues’ final club game before the World Cup and did not feature in the friendly game against Aston Villa earlier this month, although an update is expected ahead of the visit of Bournemouth.

Speaking on December 7, Potter said: “Ruben is doing some work in the gym so we’re hopeful that he can be involved next week but we’ll see how he goes.”

Carney Chukwuemeka

Young midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka is another player who could return to action when Chelsea welcome Bournemouth to Stamford Bridge on December 27.

The former Aston Villa man has been ruled out since the beginning of November with a hamstring issue but has made his return to first team training and is thought to be progressing well with his recovery.

Speaking on December 11, Potter said: "Carney Chukwuemeka is moving forward so that’s positive.”

N’Golo Kante

N’Golo Kante remains sidelined for the long-term as he continues his recovery from a serious hamstring injury which has ruled him out of action since the second game of the season.

The Frenchman had initially returned to training in October but received a further setback in his recovery, which eventually saw him require surgery for the issue. Although he has since stepped up his rehab, Kante will be ruled out until at least February.

Speaking on December 7, Potter said: “N'Golo is a little bit further away, but again he's progressing well.”

Armando Broja

Back-up striker Armando Broja has been ruled out for the rest of season after picking up a knee injury during the 1-0 friendly defeat to Aston Villa in Abu Dhabi on December 11.

The Albanian forward saw his boot get stuck in the turf and force his knee into an awkward position as a result, leaving him in immense pain on the pitch. Chelsea have since confirmed that he ruptured his ACL and will undergo major reconstruction.

That will rule him out for at least eight to nine months, meaning Broja’s season is already over and he will not return to action until the start of next season.