Christopher Nkunku and Romeo Lavia: Chelsea injury update ahead Fulham as Blues suffer fresh setback

A closer look at Chelsea's injury list ahead of this weekend's Premier League game makes for an interesting reading with as many as 10 players on the treatment table. 

The Blues have returned to London this morning after their disappointing 1-0 defeat to Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg. They will however have little time to lick their wounds as they have to respond immediately against Fulham at Stamford Bridge. 

The west London club face a tricky next few weeks with the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final sandwiched between slippery league games and an exciting FA Cup tie against an in-form Aston Villa side. 

Ben Chilwell, Reece James, Wesley Fofana, Christopher Nkunku, Romeo Lavia and Carney Chukwuemeka are all battling fitness problems even though some of them are in the last stage of their recovery. Chelsea spent almost a billion pounds in the last two transfer windows, so rival fans don't have sympathy for Mauricio Pochettino even if it's true that the injuries have disrupted his plans and slowed the development of his team.

This weekend's game has suddenly gained increased significance with Chelsea boss Pochettino looking to avoid back-to-back defeats that further damage confidence going into season-defining games. 

After 20 Premier League games, Chelsea have won only eight, drawn four and lost the remaining eight and another defeat at Stamford Bridge straight after the disappointment at the Riverside Stadium could turn the already hurting fans against him.

So with that in mind, he'll look to recover some of the injured players to lift his squad. Here is the list of players and their potential return dates.