Fresh off the back of handing London rivals Tottenham their first loss of the season, Mauricio Pochettino will be hoping his Chelsea side can inflict similar punishment upon the champions.
Chelsea’s injury list has been extensive so far this campaign, but things have been steadily improving week-by-week.
Chelsea injury news ahead of Man City clash:
Christopher Nkunku
A return to competitive football isn’t far away for Christopher Nkunku, after Pochettino cited the upcoming international break as a potential return time.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Pochettino said: “We had some conversation and he said to me I want to be ready for after international break, Newcastle.
“I asked him yesterday and he said hmmm, and I said you are liar’.”
The forward has been on the sidelines with a knee injury, sustained during a pre-season clash with Borussia Dortmund.
???????? Chelsea confirm Christopher Nkunku’s absence for Man City game — sources expect him back beginning of December.
Chalobah, Chilwell, Carney, Fofana, Lavia, Nkunku all mentioned as still not available. pic.twitter.com/nDz6JoExwV
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 10, 2023
The Frenchman has posted regular updates regarding his fitness on social media, and seems to be nearing his Chelsea debut.
Romeo Lavia
Romeo Lavia, like Nkunku, has been sidelined for his entire Chelsea career, and the Belgian’s absence looks set to continue.
Although the midfielder no longer wears his protective boot, early December is a realistic aiming point for Lavia.
Commenting on the matter in his pre-match press conference, Pochettino said:
“Romeo Lavia is also close. They trained today on the pitch. Hopefully with the team next week.”
Carney Chukwuemeka and Trevor Chalobah
Both Chelsea academy products have been sidelined for multiple weeks, with an accurate return date not in sight.
Chukwuemeka is struggling with a knee problem, and Chalobah is nursing a thigh injury.
The former has returned to training recently, but Chalobah is still not ready.
The following injury update has been provided on Trevoh Chalobah and Carney Chukwuemeka. ⤵️
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 18, 2023
Ben Chilwell
Chilwell suffered a knock towards the end of Chelsea’s clash with Brighton in the Carabao Cup at the end of September.
With the injury much worse than originally thought, the left-back is still sidelined over a month later.
Pochettino has provided an update on the situation in a recent pre-match press conference: “I can not tell you [when he will be back]. It is difficult to know.
“He is away from the training ground now and we will wait for him to come back to see the situation.
“Hopefully, he can recover as soon as possible.”
Wesley Fofana
The 22-year-old ruptured his ACL in pre-season training.
The defender continues his rehabilitation with the club.
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