If 2023 was Chelsea’s worst year, the year of the injury, then 2024 must start well. The Blues have been mired for 18 months and need to change things around.
Romeo Lavia
Since arriving at Stamford Bridge, Lavia has been nursing an ankle injury. He made his first appearance against Wolves. The Belgian international made his debut against Crystal Palace, a tremendous boost, but he was hurt again and missed the match against Luton on Saturday.
Possible return date: Unknown
Mykhailo Mudryk
The Ukrainian scored again to give Chelsea the lead against Crystal Palace, but he was substituted in the second half after a violent challenge. He stayed down, although it was unclear if the substitution was planned or a coincidence.
On Friday, Mudryk trained with Chelsea before being an unused replacement in the weekend win over Luton.
Possible return date: Returned
Enzo Fernández
The Carabao Cup quarter-final versus Newcastle saw Armando Broja replace the Argentine after 30 minutes. Fernandez went straight down the tunnel before crying at full-time. He has a hernia, it was revealed.
Fernandez came on as a substitute against Luton to help Chelsea win at Kenilworth Road, despite appearing to be out.
Possible return date: Returned
Ben Chilwell
Chilwell was injured late in Chelsea’s Carabao Cup match against Brighton in September. The Blues defender’s muscle condition was worse than initially feared, but he appears to be close to a return to fitness.
Possible return date: 2024
Reece James
James has another hamstring injury from Everton and is out again after returning from therapy. James will take another long break.
Possible return date: March/April 2024
Robert Sanchez
In the 2-1 loss to Manchester United, the goalie injured his knee but was cleared to play against Everton three days later. Sanchez was substituted during the second half after aggravating his injury. Djordje Petrovic replaced him. He’s not played since.
Possible return date: January 2024
Marc Cucurella
In mid-December, the left-back posted two photographs of his left ankle cast on social media. Cucurella appears to be using crutches as he slowly recovers.
Possible return date: Unknown
Trevoh Chalobah
Chalobah hasn’t played for Chelsea this season due to a thigh injury. He has resumed grass-training, but not with his teammates. Noni Madueke’s Instagram account shows Chalobah training on the grass with the ball, suggesting a return.
Possible return date: Unknown
Carney Chukwuemeka
After benching against Burnley, Chukwuemeka had another injury before the October match with Arsenal. The knee injury he received against West Ham United earlier in the year has plagued him.
Possible return date: Unknown
Wesley Fofana
After tearing his ACL in preseason training, Fofana will miss most of the season. Despite this, he’s resumed Cobham pitch training. On New Year’s Eve, he posted from the training ground: “No day off”.
Possible return date: April 2024