Ipswich Town vs Chelsea early injury news as 9 ruled out and 4 doubts

Chelsea return to action on Monday when they face strugglers Ipswich Town in a bid to get back on track. The Blues fell short against Fulham last time out, giving up a lead and conceding a stoppage time winner.

Enzo Maresca’s men have now failed to win both of their festive fixtures, and they will be desperate to right the ship ahead of the turn of the year. Here we round up all the latest injury news surrounding the Blues and the Tractor Boys as they prepare to face off at Portman Road.

Chiedozie Ogbene - Out

Ogbane is out for the season with an Achilles tear.

George Hirst - Out

Hirst is out until some time in January, with Kieran McKenna having said in late November: “He's had another scan, and it wasn't particularly great news. It's going to be a period of time, certainly. We're still not exactly sure, but it's going to take us through the Christmas period, we think.”

Massimo Luongo - Doubt

Luongo could return from illness here. McKenna said last week: “Massimo has been ill over the last week or two, so we’ll have to assess how he is.”

Janoi Donacien - Out

The last update came from McKenna in late September. He said: “He’s just come back from international duty and has got a small ankle injury. He’s still with us, is getting some treatment and is looking at the next steps. As I’ve said many times, he’s a top, top player and an outstanding person, and I think there’s a big demand for his services.”

Axel Tuanzebe - Out

Tuanzebe is out long-term with an ankle injury. McKenna said: “We've lost Axel, hamstring, long-term. He's seeing specialists over the next 24 hours. Hopefully, it won't need surgery, but it's a significant injury. He's a very important player for us that we're going to miss a large chunk of the season.”

Reece James - Out

James is out with a thigh injury and should return in mid-January. Maresca has said: “He will start with us for part of the session. So slowly, slowly, he is moving forward. That doesn’t mean he will be with us on Sunday or next Sunday. Tomorrow, part of the session will be with him managed then it’s building the right condition for him.”

Wesley Fofana - Out

Fofana is another who will be out until mid-January. Maresca has said: “Both are still out and will still be out for a long period.”

Benoit Badiashile - Out

Badiashile falls under the same update as above.

Carney Chukwuemeka - Doubt

Chukwuemeka has been struggling with a virus and will be a doubt here.

Romero Lavia - Doubt

Maresca said of the midfielder last week: “Romeo is still recovering. He’s much, much better and out on the pitch and working, but unfortunately, he’s not ready for the next game.” Romeo could have a chance at returning for this one.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall - Doubt

The midfielder is said to be struggling with a knock.

Mykhailo Mudryk - Out (Suspended)

Mudryk is provisionally suspended over an alleged doping offense.

Omari Kellyman - Out

Kellyman remains sidelined with a hamstring injury.