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Joao Felix, Thiago Silva injury update and return dates after Leicester win
Following Chelsea’s 3-1 win over Leicester City in the Premier League, here are the latest updates from the treatment room. Fans of the Blues can breathe a sigh of relief as Joao Felix’s substitution at half-time was a tactical decision by Graham Potter, and not due to an injury caused by dangerous challenges from the opposition. However, the west London team will be hoping to see Reece James back in action soon as he is nursing a minor illness.
There is potential good news for Chelsea as Raheem Sterling could be returning to the team in the next few days after an impressive showing against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League. However, Mason Mount may struggle to get back into the starting lineup as Potter’s project takes shape.
Regarding the injury sustained during the Leicester game, pictures showed that Ricardo Pereira made a “disgusting” challenge on Joao Felix, planting the underside of his boot onto the Chelsea star’s right ankle, causing him considerable pain.
Reece James
James returned to the Chelsea starting lineup for the clash against Borussia Dortmund after missing the clash with Leeds due to tightness in his hamstring. The full-back missed another Premier League game this weekend through illness.
What Potter has said: “Reece [James] has been ill so hasn’t trained today. He won’t make the game tomorrow.”
Injury: Illness
Expected return date: Everton (H) March 18.
Raheem Sterling
After scoring a crucial goal against Borussia Dortmund, Sterling could be set for another brief spell out of the team with Potter confirming the winger has a fresh fitness concern.
What Potter has said: “Raheem [Sterling] has had a little feeling in his hamstring, tightness if anything, so he’s looking doubtful.”
Injury: Hamstring
Expected return date: Everton (H) – Saturday, March 18.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
The chances of Aubameyang winning a spot back in the Chelsea team have taken another hit with the veteran forward suffering from a problem in his back. The Blues frontline is beginning to take shape with Kai Havertz bagging another goal this weekend.
What Potter has said: “[Pierre-Emerick] Aubameyang has a slight problem with his back and he’s looking likely he will miss the game.”
Injury: Back
Expected return date: Everton (H) – Saturday, March 18.
Mason Mount
Mason Mount has struggled to break into the first team in recent weeks. The midfielder has missed out a number of games after suffering from an issue in his lower abdomen.
He returned to training on Thursday but was absent from the matchday squad.
What Potter said: “Mason’s had a problem with his lower abdomen area, the bone, so he’ll miss the game tomorrow [against Leeds]. We hope it won’t be too long but tomorrow will be too soon.”
Injury: Lower abdomen
Expected return date: Everton (H) – Saturday, March 18.
N’Golo Kante
Kante, who sees his contract at Chelsea expire in the summer, is yet to feature under Potter after suffering a hamstring injury against Tottenham in August. The midfielder has recently returned to first-team training but is yet to be included on the team sheet.
It remains to be seen exactly how long it will take for him to return to full fitness but his return will be a hugely welcome boost.
What Potter said: “He won’t be – still needs more time to build up. We aiming maybe for Everton. Unfortunately, not for tomorrow.”
Injury: Hamstring
Expected Return date: Everton (H) – Saturday, March 18.
Cesar Azpilicueta
Azpilicueta sustained a concussion against Southampton following a collision with striker Sekou Mara. The defender left the pitch on a stretcher and was taken to hospital but he’s on the mend now as he eyes a return. He was at the stadium against Tottenham but not as part of the matchday squad.
Both Dortmund and Leicester were also too soon for the Chelsea captain, with more time needed before he can return.
What Potter said: “Azpi [Cesar Azpilicueta] has made progress but is not through protocols after a head injury like that.”
Injury: Concussion
Expected return date: March
Thiago Silva
Silva was forced off with a knee injury in the Blues’ clash with Tottenham. The following Tuesday, Chelsea released a statement detailing his diagnosis.
The time off has been detailed as roughly six weeks, meaning he would return to action in early April. His wife has since posted a video of him getting treated at their home, writing on Instagram: “The needles are on top of the ligament, emitting shocks due to use, it hurts so much.”
What Potter said: “Thiago will be around that time [six weeks], not sure exactly.”
Injury: Knee
Expected return date: April
Edouard Mendy
Chelsea confirmed early in January that Mendy had undergone an operation on a fractured finger sustained during training, meaning that he would be absent from the squad for some time. The Senegalese shot-stopper was expected to miss at least six weeks and has recently returned to training at Cobham.
What Potter said: “Mendy’s making progress but he’s not yet joined full training with the group.”
Injury: Finger
Expected return date: Late March to April
Armando Broja
Chelsea is set to be without Broja until at least the summer months, after the striker suffered a knee injury in a mid-season friendly against Aston Villa. The 20-year-old screamed in pain following a collision with Ezri Konsa and he was subsequently stretchered off the field of play.
He looked to be in considerable pain and was seen to be clutching his leg as he was tended to by medical staff. The Albania international had no history of knee injuries and his injury is a major blow with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang out of favor at present.
Broja is expected to be out for at least the remainder of the season after learning that he needs surgery to fix a ruptured cruciate ligament in his right knee, football.London understands.
What Potter said: ”It was just an unfortunate action. He got caught up with their player and the ground. It doesn’t look positive at the moment but it’s too early to say. Fingers crossed but it is an awkward one.”
Injury: Knee
Expected return date: Summer/Autumn 2023
