Chelsea injury crisis continues ahead of Newcastle United clash as two key stars ruled out

Chelsea were hit with fresh injury woes ahead of their Premier League six-pointer against Newcastle United. 

In a game that could be pivotal in deciding the Blues’ season, Mauricio Pochettino announced Ben Chilwell and Levi Colwill will miss out. That increases the crocked list to 11 players - the story of Chelsea’s campaign.

Getting some of these names back is essential if the Blues are to save another faltering season under Todd Boehly’s ownership. Here is your injury round-up as Chelsea prepare to welcome Newcastle to Stamford Bridge on Monday.

Ben Chilwell - Knee

Can he stay fit? The £50million man has spent more time on the treatment table than anything else since arriving four years ago. He has now suffered a knee injury and could be out for some time.

Possible return: Unknown (not anytime soon)

Levi Colwill - Toe

Just as the defender was easing back from a hamstring injury, he picked up another knock. This is not expected to be serious but he will miss the Newcastle game.

Possible return: Unknown (not serious)

Christopher Nkunku - Hamstring

The Frenchman has struggled to stay fit in a frustrating debut season at Stamford Bridge. When fit, he has looked bright, but he must improve or else risk becoming an expensive flop.

Carney Chukwuemeka - Ankle

Chukwuemeka is continuing his rehabilitation for an ankle injury and could return later this month.

Possible return: End of March

Lesley Ugochukwu - Hamstring

The midfielder last played in the 2-1 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Christmas Eve. Pochettino described his setback as a “minor” issue at the time.

Possible return: Unknown

Romeo Lavia - Thigh

Chelsea fans could be forgiven for thinking Lavia does not exist at all. A nightmare debut campaign is not expected to get better anytime soon.

Possible return: Unknown

Thiago Silva - Groin

He picked up a “knock” against Crystal Palace three weeks ago and has not been seen since. Silva returned to the matchday squad last week so could feature against Newcastle.

Possible return: Monday (vs Newcastle)

Marc Cucurella - Ankle

Another who made the bench against Brentford. The Spaniard has not been seen since December and could make a return on Monday.

Possible return: Monday (vs Newcastle)

Benoit Badiashile - Groin

A four-week prognosis when the injury happened should make him available to face Newcastle. It remains to be season whether that proves the case.

Possible return: Monday (vs Newcastle)

Wesley Fofana - Knee

No kicked a ball all season after rupturing his ACL in July. Pochettino has warned that the Frenchman may not feature at all in 2023-24.

Possible return: Next season

Reece James - Hamstring

Another injury-hit campaign for the skipper. Has not been seen since December following surgery.

Possible return: April