The 9 injured Chelsea players who won’t feature vs Liverpool

In a fairly unprecedented situation for Chelsea, the west London club will be without nine injured players versus Liverpool in the Premier League on Saturday. The Pride of London list the sidelined athletes and attempt to track down potential return dates for each and every one.

Even for a superclub like the Blues – they will return to the former glory at this rate, who wouldn’t with that mega-expenditure?! – having an absentee list this lengthy is still sapping. The roster is fairly long, but a growing number of the squad are up-and-coming talent or recently bought personnel whom is on the younger side of the profession.

Every team needs its senior stalwarts and experience, in spite of whether or not the boss relies on youthful calibre and exuberance. I’m certainly not looking to make excuses for CFC gaffer Graham Potter, who has far from made entirely correct choices, though his position is obviously further unenviable due to mounting and varied fitness problems.

So, whilst the Englishman and his men prepare for a fixture with the similarly struggling Reds this coming weekend, let’s see just who is available for the Blues. First of all, and arguably most importantly for the starting lineup, the ex-Brighton & Hove Albion chief divulged information on Reece James and Ben Chilwell. Sadly, neither will feature against Jurgen Klopp’s side at Anfield.

This news comes despite fans’ – and PoL’s – optimism following the fullback duo featuring in full training. Potter will not be tempted to rush the two back quickly this time, with James suffering multiple issues in the recent era. Not to mention Chilwell not playing since November. Both might perhaps play versus Fulham. In addition to those couple of absences, Joao Felix continues his suspension, of course.

Potter appears conflicted over Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s availability; another who really requires full fitness. Others who weren’t mentioned include Raheem Sterling, who doesn’t have a comeback date pencilled in, similarly to Christian Pulisic. N’golo Kante could come back at the beginning of March.

Wesley Fofana is scheduled to return at the start of February. Denis Zakaria may be fit in the middle of that month. Armando Broja shall not be seem again in this campaign. Edouard Mendy shouldn’t be out for too long with a broken finger.