Chelsea must put their Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg defeat to Middlesbrough behind them this weekend when they take on London rivals Fulham at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to the Championship outfit at the Riverside Stadium meaning they will have to be at their best in the return leg if they are to book their spot at the Wembley Stadium final.
Mauricio Pochettino was without a number of key players for the midweek fixture and the injury list is showing no signs of getting better. The problems in the treatment room at Cobham have plagued Chelsea’s progress this season with the likes of Christopher Nkunku, Reece James and Ben Chilwell all missing large periods of the season.
Nkunku’s recent hip setback means the summer signing faces more time away from action having only just returned last month. Fellow summer signings Romeo Lavia, Lesley Ugochukwu and Robert Sanchez are also out.
James’ unfortunate run of injuries has not stopped this season. Having suffered a hamstring injury in the opening day draw with Liverpool, the right-back’s return was short-lived after suffering another hamstring problem in December.
Chilwell has been out of action since September with a hamstring injury himself. Fortunately for the England international, he has returned to full team training but his return to the pitch isn’t expected to be rushed.
