Injury update for 9 Chelsea stars as Blues defender apologises
Before Chelsea play Preston North End in the FA Cup, let's take a look at roster fitness:
"Lesley Ugochukwu
- Kieran Horn, football.london
Ugochukwu started against Wolves on Christmas Eve but was subbed off after injuring his hamstring. He missed out against Crystal Palace and also against Luton.
Possible return date: Unknown
Ben Chilwell
Chilwell suffered a knock toward 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, but he now appears to be nearing a return to fitness.
Possible return date: 2024.
Reece James
After only recently returning from the treatment room, James is back on the sidelines with another hamstring injury which he suffered against Everton.
Possible return date: March/April 2024.
Robert Sanchez
The goalkeeper suffered a knee injury in the defeat to Manchester United but was passed fit to feature against Everton. However, after going down injured in the second-half, Sanchez aggravated the injury and was taken off, eventually replaced by Djordje Petrovic.
Possible return date: January 2024.
Marc Cucurella
The left-back provided an update on his injury via social media last week, with two photos showing off the cast on his left ankle. Cucurella now seems to be walking on crutches as he, slowly but surely, steps up his rehabilitation.
Possible return date: Unknown.
Trevoh Chalobah
Chalobah has been nursing a thigh injury and is still yet to feature for Chelsea this season. He has now returned to training on the grass – but not with his teammates yet, it seems. Noni Madueke has now dropped a hint that Chalobah may be close to returning with an Instagram story showing the defender individually working on the grass with the ball.
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 was hit with another setback. He has been struggling with a knee problem which he suffered against West Ham United earlier in the campaign.
Possible return date: Unknown
Wesley Fofana
Fofana is set to miss most of the season after rupturing his ACL in pre-season training. In spite of this, he's returned to training on the pitches at Cobham.
Possible return date: April 2024.
Romeo Lavia
Lavia has been nursing an ankle issue since he arrived at Stamford Bridge and he's managed to make the squad over the last two matches. The Belgian international made his debut against Crystal Palace, coming as a huge boost, but he was absent from the matchday squad to face Luton on Saturday.
Possible return date: Unknown."
The Pride of London love Thiago Silva's passion and intensity, he need not apologise
The win at Luton was unnecessarily scrappy and worrying at the death. A Cole Palmer brace - one exhibiting a George Best-esque climax - and a Noni Madueke stunner were thankfully enough for CFC's victory at Kenilworth Road - just. At the final whistle, there was much relief from the Blues squad. However, someone acted differently; the organisation, and even emotion, is necessary in this young Chelsea team.
Chels' cruised to a three-goal lead. But when they allowed the Hatters back into the game at 3-1, Silva was unimpressed. Incidentally it was the incredible Palmer who let former Blue Ross Barkley get to ball first at a corner and head in a 'consolation'. If the ex-Manchester City man has an area which requires work, it is defending. Following this, the crossbar and the Video Assistant Referee saved further CFC blushes. Nevertheless, Elijah Adebayo got the Bedfordshire side their second of the afternoon as the away outfit wobbled.
Chelsea managed to fend off more Luton attacks to claim the three points. Although, veteran centreback Thiago Silva was upset with some of his colleagues because of the needlessly unsteady finish. The Brazilian legend also pushed away a television camera in his revulsion. Ultimately Silva said sorry to all involved, essentially saying that he didn't want to spend New year as he did Xmas. The Blues lost to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Christmas Eve, for context.