Mauricio Pochettino has welcomed back a number of Chelsea stars from international duty this week. The Blues boss has been handed a huge injury boost after club captain Reece James was pictured taking part in training.

The England international has been sidelined with a hamstring problem for the past two months but is now closing in on a return to action. Elsewhere, Mykhailo Mudryk, Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile were also spotted in training this week after recovering from injury problems.

Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez are set to be involved in training later this week after returning from South America this week. With that said, here’s a look at the latest injury news surrounding Chelsea as well as their return dates before the big London derby with the Gunners.

Reece James

Reece James has returned to first team training this week just days before the clash against Arsenal. The Chelsea captain has been sidelined since the 2-2 draw against Liverpool after suffering a hamstring injury.

Sportskick understands that it’s currently ‘too early’ to determine whether or not he’ll be fit enough to face Arsenalon Saturday afternoon. The England international served his one-match ban against Burnley last time out despite not being fit enough to play.

James is progressing well with his rehabilitation programme but the Blues are yet to make a final decision, football.london understood last week.

What Pochettino said: “I think he was training with the group and he is suspended for tomorrow. I think yes [whether he will be back soon], we are really happy with his recovery and, after his injury, he is doing well.”

Possible return date: Arsenal (H) – Saturday, October 21

Mykhailo Mudryk

Mudryk was brought off during Ukraine’s clash against North Macedonia, sparking fears over another injury for the youngster after an impressive run of performances. There was some good news though as the winger was later seen starting in his nation’s match with Malta on Tuesday night.

Possible return date: Arsenal (H) – October 21

Romeo Lavia

According to the Mail Online, Lavia is expected to remain out of action until late November despite having taken promising steps towards a full recovery. The report states that the Belgian was able to take off his protective boot last week and he’s since began his rehabilitation programme at Cobham training ground.

The Mail Online adds that a return in November is viewed as ‘optimistic’. It’s believed that the west Londoners are cautious of rushing him back ahead of schedule, meaning that Lavia may not return until early December.

What Pochettino said: “I cannot tell you [when he will be back] but he is still not running. After the international break he will not be back.”

Possible return date: Late November to early December

Cole Palmer

On Thursday night, Cole Palmer picked up a knock during the first half of the England Under-21s’ 9-1 win over Serbia. The former Manchester City ace received some medical treatment at half-time, but he was replaced by Tino Livramento just moments into the second half.

It was later revealed that Palmer suffered a dead leg. Following the Three Lions’ comprehensive win at the City Ground, Lee Carsley confirmed that the Chelsea midfielder will return to Cobham to continue his recovery.

“I think Cole would be fine, but we don’t take any chances with any of the players,” said the England Under-21s manager. “If there is a slight doubt that they’re going to miss a game at the weekend, we get them back to the clubs as quickly as we can.

“We could’ve kept Cole here another day and see how it was, but we didn’t think it was right. Everyone else is fine, a few colds and sniffles.”

Possible return date: Arsenal (H) – October 21

Armando Broja

After just two days with the Albania squad, Sylvinho confirmed that Broja returned to Cobham training ground. The Albania boss went into depth on the issue surrounding Broja, saying: “What happened to Broja is very simple, it arose from a serious injury, he had been out for nine months.

“He came back a few weeks ago, he played a few minutes in the first match, the same in the second. Then, one match before coming to us, he played 45 minutes and was replaced due to some physical problems. Normally he had a check-up at Chelsea before coming to us, the checks had gone well.

“When he came here, he trained, but he still had a bit of concern: we sat down and spoke to the doctor, and we were in constant contact with Chelsea to find out about his injury. It was clear that he wasn’t he could play and together with the club and the player we agreed that he would return to Chelsea and begin his recovery. That’s the whole story.”

Possible return date: Arsenal (H) – October 21

Nicolas Jackson

Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson has withdrawn from the Senegal squad during the international break after undergoing a minor operation on his wrist. The 22-year-old has worn a splint in his last two appearances for the Blues after suffering from some discomfort in the area prior to the Carabao Cup third-round victory against Brighton.

Jackson withdrew from the Senegal squad for the friendly with Cameroon and was replaced by Rangers’ Abdallah Sima. The former Villarreal striker has stayed in London to rest and recharge following the small procedure as he now aims to build up his fitness and continue his encouraging goalscoring form for the Blues.

Possible return date: Arsenal (H) – Saturday, October 21

Axel Disasi

Disasi featured in Chelsea’s starting lineup against Burnley as the Blues picked up a comprehensive 4-1 win over the newly promoted side. Unfortunately, the defender suffered a quadricep injury during the match and was ruled out of France’s matches against Netherlands and Scotland, as per journalist Fabrice Hawkins.

Possible return date: Arsenal (H) – Saturday, October 21

Benoit Badiashile

Another who is yet to play for Chelsea this season, the defender has been sorely missed in the opening eight games. Chelsea revealed that Benoit Badiashile has been back in training, but missed out on the clash against Burnley as he steps up his recovery over the past few weeks.

Possible return date: Arsenal (H) – Saturday, October 21

Trevoh Chalobah

Chelsea have issued an official statement confirming that Trevoh Chalobah has picked up a knock ahead of the Blues’ clash against Arsenal. Chalobah has been nursing a thigh injury this season.

“Defender Trevoh Chalobah and midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka have both suffered recent setbacks in their bid to return from respective injuries sustained earlier this season,” read an official club announcement. “The duo will now go under further review before continuing their rehabilitation at Cobham with the club’s medical staff.”

Possible return date: Unknown

Carney Chukwuemeka

Chelsea have issued an official statement confirming that Carney Chukwuemeka picked up a knock ahead of the Blues’ clash against Arsenal. Chukwuemeka has struggled with a knee problem despite only recently returning to full first-team training at Cobham.

“Defender Trevoh Chalobah and midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka have both suffered recent setbacks in their bid to return from respective injuries sustained earlier this season,” read an official club announcement. “The duo will now go under further review before continuing their rehabilitation at Cobham with the club’s medical staff.”

Possible return date: Unknown

Ben Chilwell

When he came off injured against Brighton, reports suggested he could face a month on the sidelines. Pochettino admitted he is unsure when the left-back will return to action at his presser and football.londonunderstands it is now likely to be around two months before he is seen again.

What Pochettino said: “It is difficult. I am no doctor and I cannot tell you what you are asking me. I think it is about judging day by day and we cannot say the period he will be out.”

Possible return date: December

Christopher Nkunku

Nkunku is still yet to play a competitive game for Chelsea following his transfer from RB Leipzig in the summer. The 25-year-old was dealt a major blow to his knee during a pre-season friendly against Borussia Dortmund.

After months out of action, he has now stepped up his rehabilitation programme. Nkunku has recently returned to the gym, lifting weights alongside some occasional ball work.

Taking to Instagram to show off his hard work, the France international posted two black and white filtered pictures of himself in the gym. Last month, he posted a similar selection of images to his account showing him in the swimming pool and undergoing a medical test on his knee.

Possible return date: December

Wesley Fofana

Fofana is the casualty on this list set to face the longest spell on the sidelines. The defender ruptured his ACL and should miss most of the 23-24 campaign.

Possible return date: April 2024