Chelsea have been locked in an injury crisis for the past two years, although the number of Mauricio Pochettino’s players on the treatment table is now at an all-time high ahead of their Premier League clash against West Ham United.
The Blues had just nine senior outfield players available for their win over Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday, with academy star Alfie Gilchrist starting his second ever Premier League game at right-back.
Their bench had an average age of just 18.5 and Pochettino handed a debut to 17-year-old Cobham wonderkid Josh Acheampong.
Aginst West Ham, however, the Blues could be boosted by possible returns for Christopher Nkunku, Levi Colwill and Reece James, although Pochettino is unlikely to risk them unless they are fully fit.
Below is the latest Chelsea injury update.
Chelsea injuries
Levi Colwill
Levi Colwill is currently out with a toe injury, although he could make a return to action soon.
He is back in partial team training and could make a return in May, with Pochettino recently hinting he could return against West Ham.
Possible Return Date: 5 May
Christopher Nkunku
Christopher Nkunku has only started two Premier League matches this season, due to persistent injury troubles, and his most recent issue was a hamstring injury. He is, however, back in partial team training.
The Frenchman could return against West Ham, although he hasn’t featured in a matchday squad since February, meaning a premature return wouldn’t be smart.
Possible Return Date: May
Reece James
Having missed the majority of the campaign due to two hamstring injuries, Reece James won’t be rushed back, but the Englishman could feature in the final few games of the season if things go well.
He is continuing rehabilitation as things stand, but a return is on the horizon as he is back in partial team training, like Colwill and Nkunku.
Possible Return Date: May
Thiago Silva
Thiago Silva injured his groin against Aston Villa and after missing the win against Spurs, there are fears he may have played his last match for the club.
He is set to be absent this weekend at the very least.
Possible Return Date: May
Axel Disasi
Axel Disasi replaced Silva during the draw against Villa, but seemingly suffered an injury either during the match or in training and he missed the win over Tottenham.
Pochettino has confirmed he is unlikely to be back for the home match against West Ham on Sunday.
Possible Return Date: May
Robert Sanchez
Robert Sanchez is back in partial team training, but he is unlikely to be involved against West Ham.
The Spaniard has been demoted to second-choice anyway and would likely have started on the bench even if he was fully fit.
Possible Return Date: May
Malo Gusto
Malo Gusto has picked up several small injuries this season, with the Frenchman relied upon heavily amid Reece James’ issues. However, he has missed Chelsea’s past three matches and his season could be over.
Pochettino recently admitted: “Malo suffered a minor problem in his knee ligaments. I am not a doctor, but you asked me and I respect trying to translate what is going on. I hope it is not a big issue.”
Possible Return Date: Unknown
Ben Chilwell
Ben Chilwell can’t string a run of games together and he is absent yet again, despite featuring off the bench against Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final.
The England international has missed the past three matches, like Gusto. Before facing Villa, Pochettino revealed: “Chilly, also, after the national team – it’s the same problem he suffered in the last few weeks.”
Possible Return Date: Unknown
Raheem Sterling
Raheem Sterling only played 26 minutes during the four matches before Chelsea’s win over Tottenham, yet he was added to the Blues’ injury report and was absent against Ange Postecoglou’s side.
The winger has a back issue and his return date is unknown.
Possible Return Date: Unknown
Carney Chukwuemeka
Carney Chukwuemeka has missed most of this season through injury and while he was an unused substitute against Arsenal, he has now been re-added to Chelsea’s injury list.
Pochettino has stated that Chukwuemeka has suffered a twinge of the same knee injury that ruled him out for the first-half of the campaign.
Possible Return Date: Unknown
Lesley Ugochukwu
Lesley Ugochukwu hasn’t featured since Christmas Eve due to a hamstring injury, and although he was initially expected to return in early 2024, he is still absent and isn’t due to play again for several weeks.
Pochettino recently admitted: “Lesley is doing his recovery. We will see if in a few weeks he can again be part of the training sessions with the first team. But it is day by day that we are assessing these guys.”
The Frenchman has reportedly been in partial team training this week.
Possible Return Date: Unknown
Romeo Lavia
Romeo Lavia joined Chelsea injured and worked his way back to fitness, making a 32-minute cameo in December, before suffering another injury.
He is now out with a hamstring problem and the Blues have confirmed that he will not play again this season.
Possible Return Date: 2024-25 season
Enzo Fernandez
Fernandez will not feature again this season after he successfully completed groin surgery following the defeat to Arsenal.
Chelsea have confirmed that he will not feature again this campaign.
Possible Return Date: 2024-25 season
Wesley Fofana
Wesley Fofana suffered an ACL injury during pre-season and has missed the entire campaign. He will not feature until 2024-25.
Possible Return Date: 2024-25 season
Chelsea injury list
| Player | Injury | Possible Return Date |
|---|---|---|
| Levi Colwill | Toe | May |
| Christopher Nkunku | Hamstring | May |
| Reece James | Hamstring | May |
| Thiago Silva | Groin | May |
| Axel Disasi | Unknown | May |
| Robert Sanchez | Unknown | May |
| Malo Gusto | Knee | Unknown |
| Ben Chilwell | Unknown | Unknown |
| Raheem Sterling | Back | Unknown |
| Carney Chukwuemeka | Knee | Unknown |
| Lesley Ugochukwu | Hamstring | Unknown |
| Romeo Lavia | Hamstring | 2024-25 |
| Enzo Fernandez | Groin | 2024-25 |
| Wesley Fofana | ACL | 2024-25 |
Chelsea suspensions
Chelsea do not have any suspended players for their match against West Ham.
Chelsea team news
Next fixture: West Ham – 5 April
Pochettino has an extremely limited pool of players to choose from against West Ham, meaning his starting XI will almost pick itself. It will be the same XI as the one that started against Tottenham.
Chelsea predicted line-up vs West Ham: Petrovic; Gilchrist, Chalobah, Badiashile, Cucurella; Caicedo, Gallagher; Madueke, Palmer, Mudryk; Jackson.
