Chalobah, Caicedo, Gusto, Lavia – Chelsea injury news and return dates for Bournemouth clash
Chelsea injury news update for Bournemouth clash
Chelsea injury update – The Blues are expecting to bring back a number of key players following the international break when Mauricio Pochettino’s side travels to AFC Bournemouth.
Mauricio Pochettino will have two players back in his matchday squad for Chelsea’s match against Bournemouth this weekend.
Armando Broja has returned to training for the first time since rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in a pre-World Cup friendly against Aston Villa last year. Carney Chukwuemeka is also nearing a comeback after suffering an injury against West Ham last month.
Trevoh Chalobah is still recovering from a hamstring injury, while Romeo Lavia might be out for up to six weeks after injuring his ankle during the international break. With that in mind, football.london has compiled the most recent injury updates from Stamford Bridge ahead of the Blues’ Premier League return against the Cherries on Sunday.
Moises Caicedo
Moises Caicedo was photographed with bandaged up right thighs, implying that the midfielder is nursing a knock following Ecuador’s triumph against Uruguay. Caicedo was seen with blue kinesiology tape wrapped around his knee – a medical practice that aids movement and muscles around a joint.
Expected return date: Bournemouth (A) – September 17
Malo Gusto
Malo Gusto appeared to be wearing extra heavy duty tape that covered his entire thigh after playing for France Under-21s during the international break. It’s unknown whether he’ll be able to play against Bournemouth this weekend.
Expected return date: Bournemouth (A) – September 17
Armando Broja
Following comments from the Albanian FA, the Albanian might return to Pochettino’s team this weekend. President Armando Duka has stated that the attacker will play in the Blues’ Premier League match against Bournemouth on Sunday.
“Armando Broja has completed the recovery phase,” he announced. “We expect him to be on the bench with Chelsea this week, that is, ready to return to the field.”
Pochettino stated, “We must also wait.” He’s close, but sometimes being close is difficult after the injury he sustained. We have hope because he has trained well.
“That is why we are evaluating the squad and everything that happens.” It’s easy to say we need another offensive player, but I believe we already have offensive players who need to rest.
“If you bring in a player who isn’t fit or needs to adjust to the Premier League, you might spend the same amount of time waiting for Broja, Nkunku, or Carney.” Then you’re going to cause havoc in the team. That is why we are putting in so much effort to analyze the problem.”
Expected return date: Bournemouth (A) – September 17
Mykhailo Mudryk
Mudryk appeared to suffer a calf injury in ᴜᴋʀᴀɪɴᴇ’s 1-1 tie with England on Saturday. Despite being substituted, the Chelsea star played against Italy in Milan on Tuesday evening.
In their European Championship qualifier, he came on in the 58th minute but was unable to salvage a point. A sign that he is in good shape for Sunday.
Expected return date: Bournemouth (A) – September 17
Romeo Lavia
Pochettino wants Lavia to catch up to the rest of the squad’s fitness levels before allowing him to play for Chelsea. The Belgian midfielder is claimed to have torn a muscle in his ankle during the international break, which might push back his Blues debut even more.
According to football.london, Lavia’s ankle injury will keep him out of play for at least one month, putting him out until at least October.
“He needs a few weeks to be ready to be involved with the team,” Pochettino stated. He is working hard to catch up to his teammates. We’ll have to wait a few weeks for Romeo.”
Expected return date: October.
Benoit Badiashile
Badiashile missed the opening weeks of the season with a hamstring injury picked up at the end of the 2022/23 season, but a return is very close. football.london understands that Chelsea are expecting to have Badiashile fit for selection for their Premier League match with Bournemouth after the international break.
The club’s official social media account posted a video of Badiashile back in training action on Monday, seemingly hinting at his return later in the week.
What Pochettino has said: “Tomorrow (against Nottingham Forest), no.”
Expected return date: Bournemouth (A) – September 17
Reece James
Still healing from a hamstring injury sustained in training, James informed fans on Instagram with the phrase “back soon.” He was also observed at Stamford Bridge during the Luton match, sitting beside Todd Boehly, John Terry, and Lavia.
The right-back is expected to return after the September international break, having uploaded a photo of himself in training gear with the message “Back to it soon.”
“We’ll get back to it soon,” James stated.
Pochettino stated, “It’s a hamstring – it’s not a few days, maybe a few weeks.” I think it’s a terrible moment because he’s our captain, and he was so happy to be the captain, full of energy. We’ll evaluate him on a daily basis. He’ll come back stronger than ever.”
Expected return date: N/A
Trevoh Chalobah
Trevoh Chalobah has yet to play this season and was anticipated to leave during the transfer window as well. Since preseason, the defender has struggled with fitness.
During Chelsea’s pre-season tour of the United States, he frequently went down twice during games and had to be brought off both times. He has also not been seen in training since, and no update has been provided aside from the club’s weekly general statement.
According to the club, he is “continuing to undergo his rehabilitation programme.”
Expected return date: Bournemouth (A) – September 17
Carney Chukwuemeka
The Blues midfielder scored the sole goal in the team’s 3-1 loss to West Ham, but he was forced to leave the London Stadium on crutches after suffering a catastrophic knee injury just before halftime.
According to football.london, Chukwuemeka is likely to be away for up to six weeks, but due to upcoming international breaks, he may just miss five or six games before making a quick return.
“I don’t think it’s going to take months, maybe weeks,” the club stated. I hope we can rejoin the team as soon as feasible. He scored and then got hurt. Things happen that you can’t control.
“A little unlucky, but I believe he can become stronger because he is feeling the way he needs to work and compete; he is young, and I am confident he will be much better when we resume.”
Expected return date: October
Christopher Nkunku
Nkunku has been out since being substituted in the club’s last preseason game against Borussia Dortmund. Pochettino admitted he’d be missed in the first half of the season after joining the Blues for nearly £60 million in the summer.
“We feel very sorry about him,” Pochettino stated. He was doing well, and he was a key player for us. I believe the quality is there; having one of the finest offensive players who can play multiple spots is always a significant concern for us. Now it’s about not dwelling on the injuries and focusing on when he’ll be able to rejoin us and recuperate as quickly as possible.
“We are working in the market as well, and we will miss one player like this.” The club is working to find a solution, possibly in the short, medium, and long term, to add the right profile for the team to perform for the time being.”
“As you can imagine, I’m so disappointed not to be able to be with my team-mates at the start of the season,” Nkunku remarked. It’s difficult not to have met you folks at the Bridge. I will work hard to rebuild my strength. It is just a matter of time.”
Expected return date: January 2024
Wesley Fofana
After rupturing his ACL, Fofana will be out for an extended period of time.
“Really sad, really bad news,” Pochettino remarked. We are heartbroken. We can only assist him, and we understand how difficult it is for him to rejoin the squad. We must assist him and wish him the best of luck. We must persevere because competition exists. The competition does not wait for anyone, and we must be prepared.
“I hope so. You have all the evidence that this is difficult. He’s maturing in a unique way, but we’re hoping for a speedy recovery.”