Chelsea have struggled with injuries throughout Graham Potter’s tenure as head coach, but they are aiming for a boost ahead of their Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund.
Raheem Sterling is expected to progress his recovery from a hamstring injury in the coming days, football.london understands. And there is still hope that both Reece James and Ben Chilwell can return when Chelsea host Fulham at Stamford Bridge on February 3.
Throughout Graham Potter’s tenure as head coach, Chelsea have been plagued by injuries. Ten players were ruled out earlier this month after the Premier League defeat to Manchester City, a game in which Sterling was sidelined and Cristiano Pulisic also had a knee problem.
Chelsea, rather surprisingly, have struggled with form in the absence of more influential figures. However, there is still optimism that many players will be able to return to the first team following the 13 gap during the tournament.
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James and Chilwell have both returned to squad training ahead of the weekend trip to Anfield to face Liverpool. Both did not take part in that match, but there is an expectation that both – the importance of which was highlighted again in their long absence – could feature in some capacity against Fulham.
Trevoh Chalobah limped off late in the game at Anfield but concerns were quickly eased as it was confirmed the defender was suffering from nausea. The centre-back will be ready to feature against Fulham, as will Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who returned to action against Liverpool after overcoming a leg problem.
Wesley Fofana (knee) is still working on his rehabilitation and N’Golo Kante is not expected to return from hiiiiiiiis hamstring injury until early March; The French international has played less than 180 minutes of football for Chelsea this season. Denis Zakaria, meanwhile, remains on the sidelines with the leg problem he sustained in the defeat to Fulham at Craven Cottage.
Pulisic is continuing his recovery from a medial nerve injury sustained earlier this month but hopes Sterling will be able to return to team training as early as next week. Armando Broja is not expected to return to action this season due to the knee injury he suffered in a friendly against Aston Villa.