Following two cup games, a return to Premier League football sees Chelsea welcome London rivals Fulham to Stamford Bridge.
An injury-plagued season has contributed to Chelsea continuing their poor form from last season, but positive signs are appearing for Mauricio Pochettino, with Ben Chilwell set to return.
Chelsea injury news ahead of facing Fulham:
Christopher Nkunku
Summer signing Nkunku is now suffering from a hip injury, having already spent several months of the campaign sidelined, due to a knee problem sustained during pre-season.
The Frenchman missed out on his side’s 1-0 defeat to Middlesborough in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final, and Pochettino admits he is ‘worried’ by the forward’s fitness.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Pochettino said: “I’m a little bit worried about Christopher Nkunku. We don’t know what’s gonna happen.
“Of course I am worried because, still now, it’s ten days he cannot train. We are assessing him”.
🚨🔵 Pochettino: “I’m a little bit worried about Christopher Nkunku. We don’t know what’s gonna happen”.
“Of course I am worried because, still now, it’s ten days he cannot train. We are assessing him”. pic.twitter.com/Nj1MgxoWEc
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 12, 2024
Benoit Badiashile
Benoit Badiashile missed out on the wins over Luton and Preston, alongside the loss to Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup. The club, however, have confirmed the defender is back in first-team training.
Ben Chilwell
Ben Chilwell started the season as a regular starter under Pochettino, featuring at left-wing on occasion, but has not played since September due to a hamstring injury.
Chelsea have revealed that the left-back is back in training, and have today confirmed that Chilwell will return to the squad for the Fulham clash.
Ben Chilwell will make his return to the squad tomorrow… ✅ pic.twitter.com/RsUh7xBfAP
— LDN (@LDNFootbalI) January 12, 2024
Carney Chukwuemeka
Carney Chukwuemeka was another regular fixture in Pochettino’s early sides at Chelsea but a knee problem has ruled him out for much of the campaign.
The 20-year-old, however, is back in full team training.
Robert Sanchez
Robert Sanchez was signed as Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper this summer but hasn’t featured since coming off against Everton last month.
“We are so happy because the specialist said his evolution was very good. He was on the pitch running and he will see how is his knee,” said the Blues boss.
