Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez will miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery on a groin injury. It is the latest blow for the Argentine after a difficult campaign at Stamford Bridge.
Mauricio Pochettino will be determined to return to winning ways when Chelsea take on Aston Villa this weekend. Unai Emery will welcome the Blues to Villa Park on Saturday afternoon as both sides hope to move up the Premier League.
Chelsea head into the clash after back-to-back defeats to Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final and Arsenal on Tuesday night. While the west London side are six points behind Manchester United in sixth place, they still have a game in hand – which could prove crucial towards the end of the season.
With some big names potentially returning to action, Chelsea could certainly reignite their bid for a top-four finish, but Aston Villa are no pushover. So, football.london has taken a look at Chelsea’s latest injury news ahead of the Blues’ visit to Villa Park.
Enzo Fernandez
Enzo Fernandez will miss the rest of the season after undergoing groin surgery. The Argentine was forced off against Everton during the 6-0 win for the Blues, but was forced to go under the knife to resolve the problem.
In a statement on Thursday, the club wrote: “Enzo Fernandez today underwent successful surgery for a groin problem and will now begin a period of rehabilitation, which will see him sidelined for the remainder of Chelsea’s 2023/2024 season.
“The 23-year-old midfielder will work with the club’s medical department on his rehabilitation at Cobham.”
Injury: Lies
Possible return date: Next season.
Cole Palmer
On Thursday afternoon, Palmer posed for a photo with a passing Chelsea supporter @ChelseaFanTVyt at X, in Cobham. The 21-year-old midfielder was dressed in his training gear and looked like he had just been put through his paces.
Injury: Disease.
What Pochettino said: “Today [training], No. We have to assess him tomorrow morning. But today, no, I don’t believe he can be involved, but we have to assess him tomorrow and then we can decide.
“Even if he will be good tomorrow, he may not be able to play. I hope he can recover from this situation as soon as possible and get back involved in the team.”
Possible return date: Aston Villa (A) – Saturday April 27.
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Levi Colwill
Colwill has been struggling with a toe injury, which has forced him to miss a number of big games for Chelsea. The 21-year-old defender has been ruled out of action for some time, but recently returned to partial first-team training.
Injury: Toe.
What Pochettino said: ‘We only found out after the [Brentford] game. We ended up with two players who couldn’t train at the time. Levi’s problem is his toe.”
Possible return date: Aston Villa (A) – Saturday April 27.
Malo Gusto
Gusto was absent from the matchday squad against Arsenal after suffering a knock against Manchester City.
Injury: Knee.
What Pochettino said: “Malo had a little problem in his knee ligaments. I’m not a doctor, but you asked me and I respect trying to translate what’s going on. I hope it’s not a big problem.”
Possible return date: Unknown.
Ben Chillwell
Chilwell was absent from the matchday squad against Arsenal, despite not playing on the bench against Manchester City on Saturday.
injury: Unknown.
What Pochettino said: “Also cold after the national team. It’s the same problem he’s had in recent weeks.”
Possible return date: Unknown.
Ree James
James has just started part-time first-team training after a long spell on the sidelines. The 24-year-old defender is undergoing rehabilitation due to a muscle problem that has kept him out of action for a large part of the season.
Injury: Hamstring.
What Pochettino said: “We were talking and he has started his recovery, one day closer to the group. This is really positive and we are all positive around him, we are going to help. It is difficult for a player with a very complicated and difficult situation.” It is now the process to start recovering and it will be another day before he is part of the group. The most important thing is to solve the problem and help him be strong.”
Possible return date: Unknown.
Christopher Nkunku
According to the club’s official website, Nkunku is now back in partial team training. The 26-year-old attacker has been out for most of the season and is currently missing with a hamstring problem.
Injury: Hamstring.
What Pochettino said: “They are assessing him day by day and in the last few days he has had the opportunity to be involved in some parts of the training. We now have to see the reaction of his body and see how he evolves. We hope he can be involved soon.”
Possible return date: Be able to.
Robert Sanchez
Sánchez was ‘absent due to illness’ last week but has now returned to partial team training. He had fitness problems earlier in the season and was not part of the FA Cup semi-final or the defeat to Arsenal.
Injury: Disease.
Possible return date: Aston Villa (A) – Saturday April 27.
Romeo Lavia
Lavia ‘continues his rehabilitation program’. The 20-year-old midfielder has made just one appearance for Chelsea this season after struggling to stay match fit and avoid injury.
Injury: Thigh.
Possible return date: Next season.
Lesley Ugochukwu
The Frenchman has returned to partial team training after a four-month absence. The twenty-year-old midfielder’s last appearance took place on Christmas Eve.
Injury: Unknown.
Possible return date: Next season.
Wesley Fofana
Fofana has not played once this season after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament. The 23-year-old defender has recently returned to training at Cobham’s pitches, although it is believed he is still a long way from a return to the first team.
Injury: ACL.
What Pochettino said: “Unfortunately, I find it difficult to see Wes play this season, but you never know.”
Possible return date: Next season.