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Nkunku, James & more: Chelsea injury round-up and potential return dates
Chelsea went into the October international break on the back of two impressive wins in the Premier League.
Despite that, they are still far away from the Premier League top-4. To make things worse, they are missing a lot of key players due to injury.
Indeed, Mauricio Pochetitno has been held back after many of his first-team regulars got injured.
Here is the Chelsea players’ injury round-up and potential dates for when the players can get back.
Reece James
The Chelsea captain has restarted training after recovering from a hamstring trouble. He is fighting to be ready to feature after the break and help his side.
Potential return date: 21 October (vs Arsenal)
Cole Palmer
The Englishman had to be taken off against Burnley due to a hamstring problem. However, that is not thought to be serious and he should be back in action soo.
Potential return date: 21 October (vs Arsenal)
Mykhailo Mudryk
The Ukraine winger made a late cameo against Burnley because he couldn’t start due to a slight issue. Like Palmer, he should be back in action soon too.
Potential return date: 21 October (vs Arsenal)
Benoit Badiashile
The French defender is yet to make an appearance under Pochettino but has recovered from the injury sustained last season. He is tipped to make a return against Arsenal.
Potential return date: 21 October (vs Arsenal)
Trevoh Chalobah
Chalobah has struggled with injury issues towards the start of the season, but is also getting back to 100% fitness. He should be back after the break too.
Potential return date: 21 October (vs Arsenal)
Romeo Lavia
The summer signing is yet to make his Chelsea debut due to an ankle problem suffered in training keeping him out. He’s unlikely to be back anytime soon.
Potential return date: November
Ben Chilwell
Chilwell suffered a set-back last month due to a hamstring injury suffered in the Carabao Cup clash against Brighton. He is not going to return after the break either.
Potential return date: December
Christopher Nkunku
Nkunku seems to be back in the gym working on regaining utmost fitness, but Chelsea can’t risk rushing him back anytime soon. He is unlikely to play for Chelsea this year.
Potential return date: January 2024
Wesley Fofana
A horrible knee injury ruined Fofana’s plans to thrive under Pochettino and forced the club to sign Axel Disasi. He isn’t going to return anytime soon.
Potential return date: Summer 2024
Nicolas Jackson
Jackson had to withdraw from the international break fixtures after having to undergo a hand surgery. However, his injury isn’t deemed that serious.
Potential return date: October 21 (vs Arsenal)
Axel Disasi
The French defender had to withdraw from the France squad due to an injury he picked up in the Burnley win. There is still no update on the severity of his injury or when he’ll be back.
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MNU VS CHE: 4-2-3-1 Pochettino strongest possible IX that could help Chelsea defeat Man Utd
Today’s Premier League match between Manchester United and Chelsea at Old Trafford is sure to be exciting. There isn’t a distinct favorite for this forthcoming matchup because both teams have shown inconsistent play this season.
Manchester United hopes to win against Chelsea after suffering an awful defeat to Newcastle United. Chelsea, on the other hand, is hoping to keep up their current winning streak in the Premier League by thrashing Manchester United in their next game.
4-2-3-1 Pochettino predicted starting IX
Goalkeeper: The Spanish international Robert Sanchez is expected to start in goal
Defenders: Benoit Badiashile, Levi Colwill, Thiago Silva, and Reece James make up Chelsea’s defense. Reece James is anticipated to start the next game, Despite his red card suspension that kept him out of the match against Brighton.
Midfielders: Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo, and Enzo Fernandes are midfielders. As Conor Gallagher is out due to suspension, Cole Palmer will fill in at offensive midfield, with Enzo Fernandes and Moises Caicedo handling additional roles in central and defensive midfield.
Forward: Raheem Sterling, Armando Broja, and Mykhailo Mudryk are the forwards. Nicolas Jackson, who has been struggling, is replaced by Armando Broja, with Raheem Sterling on the right wing and Mykhailo Mudryk in his standard left wing position.
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Confirmed Chelsea line up vs Newcastle: Lesley Ugochukwu replaces Moises Caicedo as Palmer start with Gallagher in Midfield #NEWCHE
Mauricio Pochettino makes two changes to his Chelsea team for today’s game at Newcastle.
Benoit Badiashile comes in for his compatriot Axel Disasi in the heart of defence, while Lesley Ugochukwu replaces Moises Caicedo.
Otherwise, it is the same starting XI that began the 4-4 draw against Manchester City prior to the international break
That means Reece James, Thiago Silva and Marc Cucurella join Badiashile at the back, ahead of Robert Sanchez. Enzo Fernandezand Conor Gallagher continue in midfield, with Raheem Sterling and Cole Palmer supplying the width in attack, either side of Nicolas Jackson.
Caicedo and Levi Colwill, who was injured during the recent break, are among those named on the bench.
Alexander Isak returns for Newcastle after injury, but there is no Sean Longstaff.
Chelsea: Sanchez; James (c), Thiago Silva, Badiashile, Cucurella, Enzo, Ugochukwu, Gallagher, Palmer, Jackson, Sterling
Subs: Petrovic, Colwill, Disasi, Maatsen, Caicedo, Matos, Madueke, Mudryk, Broja
Newcastle: Pope, Livramento, Lascelles (c), Schar, Trippier, Guimaraes, Miley, Almiron, Joelinton, Isak, Gordon
Subs: Dubravka, Gillespie, Karius, Dummett, Ritchie, Diallo, Murphy, Ndiweni, Parkinson
Referee Simon Hooper
Reece James just returned to action for Chelsea this season after recovering from an injury that kept him on the sidelines for weeks but the synergy between the Chelsea Skipper and Cole Palmer has emerged as a pivotal factor in Chelsea’s recent impressive performance.
Their relationship on the pitch showcases a dynamic partnership that has been significantly impacting the team’s overall performance.
One key element of this collaboration is the strategic placement of Cole Palmer in the middle, operating behind the striker.
This positioning capitalizes on Palmer’s unique skill set, acknowledging that he may not possess the blistering pace or sheer physicality to excel in isolated one-on-one situations with defenders.
Instead, Palmer’s strength lies in his ability to receive the ball on the half-turn, exhibiting clever passes that ignite the team’s attacking prowess.
Palmer’s fluid style, characterized by his adept use of pockets and floating movements, creates a symbiotic relationship with Reece James.
James, a versatile right-back, benefits from Palmer’s strategic play by having the freedom to occupy the wing.
This tactical understanding not only maximizes Palmer’s strengths but also amplifies James’s impact on the game.
What becomes evident in this partnership is Palmer essentially playing as a number 10, operating in a role that aligns with his capabilities and enhances the team’s attacking dynamics.
By strategically placing Palmer in a central position, Chelsea leverages his playmaking abilities, allowing him to orchestrate the flow of the game and provide crucial link-up play between the midfield and the strikers.
The tactical harmony between Palmer and James is not just about individual brilliance but also about how their styles complement each other seamlessly.
Palmer’s intelligent movements and distribution empower James to venture forward with confidence, creating a fluid and dynamic attacking unit for Chelsea
MNU VS CHE: 4-2-3-1 Pochettino strongest possible IX that could help Chelsea defeat Man Utd
Confirmed Chelsea line up vs Newcastle: Lesley Ugochukwu replaces Moises Caicedo as Palmer start with Gallagher in Midfield #NEWCHE
How Palmer and Reece James Have Complemented Each Other in Chelsea’s Lineup This Season
Chelsea eye double £156m transfer swoop as Todd Boehly faces Saudi Arabia questioning
