Injury News: How injured Chelsea stars are faring ahead of their EFL Cup tie vs Southampton
Courtesy of Football.London, here is the latest on the injury front regarding first-team Chelsea stars N’Golo Kante, Timo Werner, Romelu Lukaku, and Christian Pulisic as the Blues gear up to face Southampton this week.
Chelsea have a wealth of attacking reinforcements in their squads but quite a few of them have succumbed to injuries in the early part of the season. Despite this, the Blues have carried on in a resolute manner. Here is the latest update on these players.
N’Golo Kante
The French midfielder failed to play against Norwich in their exhilarating 7-0 victory against the Canaries. Kante had a great game against Malmo FF in their latest UEFA Champions League fixture and it is believed that the midfielder felt some muscle tightness in the aftermath of the CL tie.
Simon Johnson from the Athletic (h/t Football.London) feels that his omission was just a precaution and he should be fit for selection in their EFL Cup tie against the Saints.
Timo Werner
The German International had to be subbed off in their CL tie against Malmo. The former RB Leipzig forward seemed to be regaining his form but a hamstring injury means that there is no confirmation as to when he will be available for selection again.
Thomas Tuchel commented on the situation of the 25-year-old forward earlier this week:
“Muscle injury and hamstrings for Timo. They will be some days out, I guess. I can say they are out for tomorrow [Norwich] and they will be out for the Southampton game and from there we see what’s next.”
Christian Pulisic
The former Borussia Dortmund player picked up an injury early on in the season which has hampered his playing opportunities with the senior squad. It is alleged that Pulisic will most certainly miss the match against Southampton but could make it in time for their Premier League fixture against Newcastle United.
That being said there is still no confirmed return date for the USA International:
Thomas Tuchel spoke about the forward recently and how he is very close to recouping his fitness again:
“Right now, we are very very close. He was so close to come to team training last week but had a setback with pain. Nothing serious but serious pain. From there on we go.”
Romelu Lukaku
The former Inter Milan striker was another casualty for Chelsea in their CL tie against the Himmelsblått. The 28-year-old Chelsea striker has had a decent start to the season but the manager will have to do without his services for a considerable amount of time.
The former PSG boss commented on Lukaku’s situation earlier this week and revealed that it may take some time before he can make a comeback for the West London club:
“We need more examinations to be more precise but they will be out for some matches. I can say they are out for tomorrow [Norwich] and they will be out for the Southampton game and from there we see what’s next.”
More Chelsea News
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- Thomas Tuchel explains how Mason Mount has changed in recent games following win against Norwich City
- Transfer News: Chelsea are planning to get Ferland Mendy and Eden Hazard from Real Madrid
The Blues have a packed schedule in the months to come and will be looking to get as many points on the board as possible. That being said this injury list would certainly be a big blow to the club but Tuchel’s men would be hoping to bounce back and make a strong statement.