The Blues return to Premier League action as World Champions, but there are some injury concerns to deal with before the Crystal Palace clash
Chelsea return to Premier League action this weekend crowned as Champions of the World, having won the Club World Cup last week.
Thomas Tuchel guided his men to yet another cup final win, beating Palmeiras 2-1 after extra-time – banishing the cup final loss in the competition back in 2012.
Romelu Lukaku and Kai Havertz’s goals were enough to earn the Blues the trophy, lifting it for the first time in their history.
However, there is little time to rest, with Crystal Palace up next in the league as Tuchel looks to keep a faint hope of chasing down leaders Manchester City alive.
The German coach does have some injuries to deal with, but there is a return to action for one player in training and football.london will take you through all the latest news.
Mason Mount
Mount was a doubt for the Club World Cup after suffering a slight knock against Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup.
The 23-year-old managed to return for the final, only to be replaced before half-time with an ankle issue.
On the injury, Tuchel said: “He was injured. It was in one of the first actions, he had a run at the back post with Azpilicueta. They fell and his opponent fell on his ankle and he hurt his ligaments badly. So we have to see. It’s an injury.
“He came to me and said he didn’t feel good, stiff and painful. He didn’t know if he could continue so we took the decision.”
It’s believed Mount could face up to two weeks on the sidelines, although he could return for the Blues’ Carabao Cup final clash against Liverpool.
Expected return date: Liverpool – February 27
Ruben Loftus-Cheek
The midfielder was ruled out of action for a few weeks, picking up a knock ahead of Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup that also subsequently stopped him playing in the Club World Cup.
However, in good news, Loftus-Cheek is back in training and could be involved as soon as Saturday.
Expected return date: Crystal Palace (A) – February 19
Ben Chilwell
Chilwell is set to miss the remainder of the season after a serious injury.
The left-back suffered a cruciate ligament injury, which required reconstructive surgery, against Juventus and is unlikely to return until next season.
Expected return date: 2022/23 season
James is pushing towards a return to first-team action, with the right-back stepping up his recovery in recent weeks.
The England international did travel to Abu Dhabi for the Club World Cup, but wasn’t involved as he still makes his way back.
Expected return date: N/A
Good on for chelsea fc but worry is about a prolong injury on my right guy Ben chiwell