All the latest injury news from Stamford Bridge following Saturday’s victory against Newcastle.
Chelsea stretched their lead at the top of the Premier League table on Saturday afternoon by beating Newcastle United 3-0 at St. James’ Park.
It was another professional display from Thomas Tuchel’s side who, thanks to both Manchester City and Liverpool dropping points, moved four points clear at the top of the table.
Next up for the Blues is a Champions League clash with Malmo on Tuesday night as they look to find their way into the last-16 and continue the defence of their title.
Tuchel still has a number of fitness issues weighing on his mind ahead of the game, however. With that in mind, football.london takes you through the latest injury news.
Mason Mount
Mount was a late absentee for Chelsea on Saturday, waking up on the morning of the game with an illness.
The midfielder was set to start for the Blues at St. James’ Park but was instead sent back to London to begin his recovery and, thankfully, his absences was not felt.
It also does not appear he will be out for long.
What Tuchel has said: “He should have started but he got ill overnight and so we sent him home to London so that we can take care of him better and that he can recover better.”
Cesar Azpilicueta
The Spaniard has been a regular throughout Thomas Tuchel’s tenure, both as a centre-back and right-wing back, but he picked up a knock in training this week.
Speaking after the game, his manager revealed that Azpilicueta was meant to play against the Saints but was forced to sit it out after injuring his shoulder in training. He sat out the game with Newcastle but is back to full fitness.
What Tuchel has said: “We hope Azpi is back for the weekend. He had a shoulder injury yesterday in training when he fell on it. It’s very painful but he’s Azpi and he’s a tough guy.”
Expected return date: Malmo (H) – Tuesday, November 2.
Romelu Lukaku
There certainly a sharp intake of breath against Malmo as Lukaku took a heavy knock in the process of winning a penalty.
The Belgian forward was receiving treatment for a few minutes before being forced off the pitch to be replaced by Kai Havertz.
Any injury will of course be a big blow for the Blues amid Lukaku’s somewhat inconsistent form. He is set to have tests on the problem to determine how long he could be out for.
What Tuchel has said: “Romelu twisted his ankle when he was fouled in the box… so it will take a while.
“We need more examinations to be more precise but they will be out for some matches.”
Expected return date: N/A
Timo Werner
Lukaku’s injury might not had seemed so bad had fellow forward Timo Werner not also sustained a problem against Malmo.
The German striker suffered a hamstring problem before half-time on Wednesday and joined Lukaku on the sidelines having been replaced by Callum Hudson-Odoi.
What Tuchel has said: [After Malmo]: “Muscle injury and hamstrings for Timo. They will be some days out, I guess.”
Expected return date: N/A
Christian Pulisic
The American was a casualty of the season’s first international break and although he appears to be returning to fitness, the Brentford and Malmo games came too soon for him.
Tuchel has confirmed that he has had a setback in his recovery so missed the 7-0 win over Norwich and Carabao Cup victory against Southampton.
Despite returning to training ahead of Newcastle, he was not risked after two months out, and is unlikely to be back in action before the international break.
What Tuchel has said: “It looks a bit better than the last match against Southampton. Christian Pulisic is back which is nice to see but he still needs a little bit of time. We want to prepare him for the Burnley match, this is the goal for him.”
Expected return date: N/A
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