Mauricio Pochettino will have undoubtedly been very happy about the outcome of the November international before Chelsea return to action against Newcastle this weekend. Having seen his squad plagued by injury issues this season, the two-week pause has come at the perfect time for a number of stars on their way back from injuries.
The likes of Reece James and Thiago Silva have been able to recover with both defenders back in training this week after a few days off. Levi Colwill has also returned to the Cobham pitches after missing the Man City game and international duty with England because of a shoulder injury.
Perhaps the most highly anticipated return is that of Christopher Nkunku with the 26-year-old as another seen working towards a return alongside Romeo Lavia. With that said, here is the latest Chelsea injury news ahead of the Blues' long trip to St James Park on Saturday.
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 also revealed that the Frenchman is targeting an ambitious return soon after the international break.
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It was later revealed in recent reports that Chelsea may take their time with Nkunku to avoid further injury, meaning a potential wait for his debut until December. On Tuesday, Nkunku was spotted stepping up the intensity in training amid his hopes of making it into the matchday squad this weekend, despite the fact Chelsea may not take the risk.
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: December
Conor Gallagher
Before England's win over Malta on Friday, Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate announced that Gallagher had come into the camp carrying a slight knock but that he was perfectly fine to train with the group. During the 4-4 draw against Manchester City, Gallagher picked up an ankle injury but any serious damage does not appear present as he played 45 minutes for the Three Lions against Malta.
What Southgate has said: "He has got tremendous drive. This week was a classic for me. He has come with a bit of a knock from the weekend but he walked through the door saying ‘it is a bit sore but I will be fine for Friday’.
"There was no way he was going home, there was no way he wasn't going to give himself every chance. He wasn't able to train for the first few days but he was determined he would be available and that, in a nutshell, is what is going to be one of his greatest strengths which will allow himself to achieve everything he might in the game because his mentality is outstanding."
Possible return date: Newcastle United (A) - Saturday, November 25
Romeo Lavia
Earlier this month, 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. Nkunku and Lavia were both seen working at Cobham on Tuesday, November 21.
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.
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
Reece James
Reece James was called up by Gareth Southgate into England's squad for the final two Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia. However, James rejected the chance to join up with the camp.
What Southgate said: "I was hoping to call up Reece James but he doesn’t feel he’s quite ready. I understand that, he’s had a long path back from a number of injuries. He’s probably a bit cautious in that respect, but I can understand why."
He added: "We’ve got belief in what he can do. We did discuss [reporting for duty to attend team meetings] and he was very keen to make clear, 'Look I don’t want you to think I don’t want to be there'.
"We had a really good long conversation and exchange of messages after that as well. But I’m very understanding. His injury record, you can see the number of matches and the different phases. So we are all conscious that we want to have a fit Reece that can play consecutive games."
Malo Gusto
Gusto was selected as part of France's Under-21 squad after being called up by Thierry Henry. Nantes full-back Quentin Merlin joined him in pulling out and Stade Brestois's Bradley Locko was the only player selected in reaction for games against Austria and South Korea.
Possible return date: Newcastle United (A) - Saturday, November 25
Trevoh Chalobah
Chalobah has been nursing a thigh injury and is still yet to feature for Chelsea this season. He has been seen in training in the gym at Cobham during the international break.
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.
The star posted an image of his feet, wearing football boots and with the phrase 'After [a] long time' and a running emoji alongside a football emoji.
Possible return date: April 2024
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