With the international break upon us, Chelsea and Mauricio Pochettino are finally able to get some rest. After a gruelling schedule which has only exacerbated their injury issues, it appears as though the list of those sat on the sidelines is finally decreasing.

Christopher Nkunku is the main man that supporters and the club themselves are waiting on to return, with the forward back in first team training after recovering from his knee injury. Barring any setbacks, there's potential for a swift return.

Elsewhere, Levi Colwill was forced to withdraw from the England squad with a shoulder injury after being left out of last weekend's incredible 4-4 draw with Manchester City. The Blues will be hoping that he's available for next weekend's Premier League trip to St. James' Park to face high-flying Newcastle United.

Trevoh Chalobah, Carney Chukwuemeka and vice captain Ben Chilwell are those still trying to recover from long-term issues and are unlikely to return anytime soon after the international. With that said, here's a look at the latest injury news and possible return dates for those who are currently sidelined.

Christopher Nkunku

Nkunku is still yet to play a competitive game for Chelsea following a major blow to his knee during a pre-season friendly against Borussia Dortmund but could be set for an incredible return ahead of schedule. After his transfer from RB Leipzig in the summer, he's finally been seen out on the training pitches at Cobham in a huge boost to supporters.

After constant teases from the star via his social media channels as he shared videos of him working out his knee, doing keepy-ups and even a message earlier this week saying 'See you soon'. Pochettino has also revealed that the Frenchman is targeting an ambitious return soon after the international break.

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What Pochettino has said: "We had some conversation and he said to me, 'Coach, I want to be ready for after the international break, Newcastle'. I asked him yesterday and he said 'hmmm', and I said 'you are liar'. 'No, no I am ready'. It is close and he is doing really well. We are so happy with him, the way he is recovering, he is very professional."

Possible return date: Newcastle United (A) - Saturday, November 25

Levi Colwill

Colwill missed Sunday's game due to a shoulder injury, football.london understands. The 20-year-old had started all 11 of the Blues' opening Premier League games of the season after returning from his successful loan spell at Brighton & Hove Albion.

The defender was named in the England squad but later pulled out due to injury.

What Pochettino has said: "I don't know, Jesus, how is Levi? [press officer: we'll update in the next 24 hours]."

Possible return date: Newcastle United (A) - Saturday, November 25

Romeo Lavia

On Friday afternoon, Lavia posted a selfie to his Instagram story. The youngster also accompanied the image with a picture of his tied football boots, with a smiley face and blue heart emoji as his caption.

Lavia has been nursing an ankle issue since he arrived at Stamford Bridge and he's still yet to make his debut for the Blues. Last month, the Belgian was dealt a major setback on his road to recovery, pushing his return date back to late November, maybe December.

What Pochettino said: "Romeo Lavia is also close. They trained today on the pitch. Hope that next week will be involved with the team and see after. Day by day see when it is possible to play with the team."

Possible return date: December.

Trevoh Chalobah

Chalobah has been nursing a thigh injury and is still yet to feature for Chelsea this season.

Possible return date: Unknown.

Carney Chukwuemeka

Chukwuemeka picked up a knock ahead of the game with Arsenal and then made the bench against Burnley, but the midfielder has since been hit with another setback. He has struggled with a knee problem which he suffered against West Ham earlier in the campaign.

Possible return date: Unknown

Ben Chilwell

Chilwell suffered a knock towards the end of Chelsea's clash with Brighton in the Carabao Cup at the end of September. Unfortunately for the Blues defender, the club quickly realised that the muscle issue was worse than first thought and, more than a month later, he's still out of action.

What Pochettino said: "I can not tell you [when he will be back]. It is difficult to know. He is away from the training ground now and we will wait for him to come back to see the situation. Hopefully, he can recover as soon as possible."

Possible return date: December

Wesley Fofana

Fofana is set to miss most of the season after rupturing his ACL in pre-season training ahead of the tour of America. Yet, while it remains to be seen when he will return, he's posted a promising update to his Instagram story. Without a caption, Fofana is seen lying down on a gym mat at Cobham training ground conducting a test on his right thigh.

Possible return date: April 2024