Chelsea continue to grapple with an extensive injury list as they prepare for their UEFA Conference League last-16 tie against FC Copenhagen. Despite a much-needed 4-0 win over Southampton, their fitness struggles have hampered their domestic campaign, with just three wins in their last 12 matches before that victory.
Manager Enzo Maresca remains hopeful that most of his sidelined players will return after the March international break, though Mykhailo Mudryk remains provisionally suspended. Meanwhile, the Blues face crucial fixtures, including both legs against Copenhagen and league clashes with Arsenal and Leicester before the break.
Trevoh Chalobah
The defender picked up a back injury in the 2-1 loss to Aston Villa and missed the Southampton match. However, he is expected to return for Chelsea’s trip to Copenhagen next week.
🗓 Potential return date: March 6 vs FC Copenhagen (A)
Romeo Lavia
Lavia has had a tough time with injuries since joining Chelsea and last played in mid-January. His hamstring problem will keep him out until after the international break, with a return possible against Tottenham.
🗓 Potential return date: April 2 vs Tottenham (H)
Nicolas Jackson
Jackson suffered a hamstring injury in early February and was initially expected to recover quickly. However, a scan revealed a more serious issue, ruling him out for at least six to eight weeks.
🗓 Potential return date: April 2 vs Tottenham (H)
Noni Madueke
The winger sustained a hamstring injury in Chelsea’s 3-0 loss to Brighton on February 14. Though initial fears suggested a lengthy layoff, Maresca later confirmed he should return after the international break.
🗓 Potential return date: April 2 vs Tottenham (H)
Benoit Badiashile
The French centre-back has been out since December with a thigh injury but has recently resumed training. If his recovery progresses well, he could return before the break.
🗓 Potential return date: Unknown, possibly before the international break
Marc Guiu
Guiu, Jackson’s backup, also picked up a hamstring injury in the West Ham match and will remain sidelined until after the break.
🗓 Potential return date: April 2 vs Tottenham (H)
With Chelsea’s injury list unlikely to clear up before March, the team will need to navigate key fixtures without several crucial players. However, a stronger squad could emerge after the break, just in time for the decisive phase of the season.
