Ben Chilwell, Romeo Lavia and Carney Chukwuemeka: Chelsea injury updates ahead of Preston FA Cup tie

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino welcomed Ben Chilwell and Carney Chukwuemeka to first-team training this week as they sharpened their skills ahead of the FA Cup game against Preston at Stamford Bridge. 

Chilwell hasn't played for the club since injuring his hamstring against Brighton in October, while Chukwuemeka suffered a knee injury after scoring against West Ham in the second league game of the season. 

Pochettino has always pointed to the never-ending cycle of losing players this season but will hope that assistant club captain Chilwell is ready for some minutes this weekend. They are also without  Reece James for another three months after he had surgery to try and end a recurring hamstring problem. 

Wesley Fofana is still waiting to play this season after picking up a knee injury during pre-season while goalkeeper Robert Sanchez is also battling a similar knee problem. On the field, the west London club have struggled in the league but they could reach the final of the Carabao Cup if they can get past Middlesbrough in the next round. 

That could be a route to Europe next season, especially as they're struggling for consistency in the league. The FA Cup could also prove season-defining as Pochettino would become an instant hero if he could lead them to glory. 

There is still a long way to go and so much to play for so the Argentinian manager Pochettino will be hoping the treatment table lightens up and key players return in the second half of the season. So with that in mind, here is the list of injured players and potential return dates.