Chelsea injury and return dates ahead of Champions League opener
Thomas Tuchel has been unlucky to lose some first-team players so early in the season. And he could be set to lose some before his side’s Champions League match this Tuesday. (h/t football.london)
Chelsea picked up the much needed three points last time out against West Ham United. There were some controversies involved but the Blues came out on top. And now focus has shifted to the Champions League.
The west London club are in Group E this time and will play against Dinamo Zagreb, AC Milan and RB Salzburg, with the first game being against Zagreb. And Tuchel could see some of his first-team players miss out.
Edouard Mendy could miss the game after picking up an injury against the Hammers. He was caught in the ribs by Jarrod Bowen and could be injury doubt for the game. It is too early to say when he will return if he is out.
New signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang saw the last game from the stands. It was reported that the player had travelled to Milan to get a protective mask fitted. He is expected to be on the bench, but whether he plays or not remains to be seen.
N’Golo Kante is still recovering from a hamstring injury and is likely to miss the game against Dinamo Zagreb. It is still unknown when the French midfielder will return. Denis Zakaria, who arrived on loan from Juventus has still not gotten his work permit and is likely to miss the game.
Trevoh Chalobah remained an unused sub against West Ham last time out. He had picked up an injury in the game against Leicester City and missed the game against Southampton. It remains to be seen if the defender gets to play in Tuesday’s affair.
More Chelsea News:
- Chelsea name 24-player squad for the UEFA Champions League
- Chelsea target Rafael Leao to be offered new contract by AC Milan
- Chelsea have asked Spezia to play Ethan Ampadu at centre-back
Fans will be excited with the premier European competition returning this week. What team Tuchel starts remains to be seen. Tuchel and the fans will hope that their side do a repeat of 2021 and win the trophy for the third time in their history.