Ipswich Town vs Chelsea final injury news as 10 ruled out and 3 doubts

Chelsea are back in action on Monday when they face strugglers Ipswich Town as they continue their search for their first festive win. The Blues were defeated by Fulham last time out despite leading, and that followed a frustrating draw with Everton, two results that have seen them drop to third.

Ipswich, meanwhile, are currently occupying a relegation spot, narrowly losing to Arsenal last time out, though they didn’t manage a single shot on target in that one. Here we round up all the injury news surrounding both teams heading into the Portman Road clash.

Sammie Szmodics - Fit

McKenna has confirmed: “Sammie’s OK, he missed the weekend, but he’s been training all week, so he’s OK.”

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 this week: “George is another few weeks at least, so we don’t expect to see him over the Christmas fixtures. We’ll see him in the new year.”

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 this week: “A little bit longer, but along similar lines, certainly not going to be available for the next couple of weeks. If everything goes perfectly well from here, then it’s possible we could see him at some point in January.”

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 - Out

The midfielder is sidelined, Maresca has confirmed.

Mykhailo Mudryk - Out (Suspended)

Mudryk is provisionally suspended over an alleged doping offense.

Omari Kellyman - Out

Kellyman remains sidelined with a hamstring injury.