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Football London
Football London
Sport
Lewis Pangratiou

Chelsea injury news and expected return dates vs West Ham: Rudiger, Kovacic, Christensen

Chelsea suffered a brief setback on Wednesday night after they were defeated 4-2 by Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.

Although Timo Werner and Cesar Azpilicueta were on the scoresheet, two goals from Eddie Nketiah and one each for Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe were enough to condemn Thomas Tuchel's side to a heavy defeat. Luckily though, games are coming thick and fast for Thomas Tuchel's men.

Therefore, they'll be looking to get back on track when they host West Ham on Sunday, but they'll have to do so without some noticeable absentees.

READ MORE: Chelsea press conference LIVE: Thomas Tuchel on Arsenal, Christensen, Sarr, Lukaku, Werner, more

With that in mind, football.london has taken a look at who may or may not be available for Tuchel.

Antonio Rudiger

Rudiger was left out of Chelsea's squad to face Arsenal after picking up a groin injury, and he's now a doubt for the game against West Ham. It's only the third time that the 29-year-old has not completed 90 minutes in a Premier League fixture for Tuchel this season.

What Tuchel has said: "It is groin pain and a little, minor injury. It is a matter of days, I hope, and the doctors told me that today is unfortunately too soon, but he will be close for the West Ham game."

Expected return date: Unknown.

Andreas Christensen

Christensen was replaced at half-time against Arsenal after an extremely poor first 45 minutes.

What Tuchel has said: "He said he couldn't continue. He had some problems."

Expected return date: Unknown.

Mateo Kovacic

The Croatian midfielder started against Crystal Palace in the FA Cup semi-final but was withdrawn less than 30 minutes into the contest after picking up an ankle problem.

What Tuchel has said: "Kova is out of the game [vs Arsenal], ligament injury. Hopefully not longer than two weeks."

Expected return: Everton (A) - Sunday, May 1

Ross Barkley

Barkley was expected to return from illness and be available for selection against Palace, but the 28-year-old wasn't named in the matchday squad. He did return to the bench against Arsenal but was an unused substitute.

Callum Hudson-Odoi

Hudson-Odoi has struggled with a troublesome Achilles issue, restricting the 21-year-old's involvement of late. No risks have been taken with the academy graduate who remains out, and his return date is still unknown.

What Tuchel has said: "With Callum, it's day by day but not possible to join team training."

Expected return: Unknown.

Ben Chilwell

Chilwell suffered a cruciate ligament injury in November that is set to keep him out for the rest of the season. Tuchel has suggested that he could make his return to training before the end of the campaign, but a return to first-team action appears unlikely.

What Tuchel has said: "Ben will be able to join in team training with the youth, this will be his next step in the weeks, and hopefully, he can join our training at the end of the season."

Expected return: Summer 2022

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