Chelsea travel to Leicester this weekend upon the return of the Premier League and will be looking for three points in the hope of extending their lead at the top of the table.
Thomas Tuchel’s side currently have a three point lead over second-placed Manchester City and can double that for 24 hours at least with a win at the King Power Stadium.
However, Tuchel currently has six players on the sidelines, which includes both of his strikers Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner, who missed out on the previous match against Burnley, and will be hoping that at least one of them passes fit for Saturday.
Here is a round-up of the current state of play at Stamford Bridge and the expected return dates of those struggling with injuries.
Should Chelsea invest in a third striker in January? Have your say in the comments section.
Romelu Lukaku
Romelu Lukaku is arguably the biggest injury concern for Thomas Tuchel, who won’t want to be without his number one striker for any longer than he already has been.
Lukaku has been out since injuring his ankle in the first half of Chelsea ’s 4-0 hammering of Malmo in the Champions League back on October 20, but was anticipated to return against Leicester this weekend.
However, a recent update from the club has revealed that Lukaku may not return until next Tuesday’s Champions League clash against Juventus.
The club's doctors and physios will make a decision on the Belgian striker soon, with an update expected to follow.
Timo Werner
The importance of Timo Werner’s fitness has increased following the news that Lukaku will miss out against Leicester.
Werner has been struggling with a thigh injury and was given an expected return date of this weekend, as it was hoped that he would recover in time for the trip to Leicester.
As things stand, this is likely to be the case and he should go straight into the starting lineup at the expense of Lukaku, but a late fitness test must be carried out beforehand.
Marcos Alonso
Marcos Alonso is another player on the sidelines who is hoped to be fit enough to make it back for the Leicester game on Saturday.
Alonso picked up an ankle injury at the end of the 1-0 win away to Malmo in the Champions League back at the start of the month, but it wasn't deemed to be too serious at the time.
However, the injury caused the defender some pain and he wasn’t risked in Chelsea’s last outing against Burnley, but he has been spotted in training this week and the signs are looking good.
Mateo Kovacic
It was initially hoped that Mateo Kovacic would also be expected back this weekend but a recent injury update from Tuchel revealed that he will be out for longer.
Kovacic had been suffering with a hamstring injury he picked up in training at the end of October and it meant that the Croatian missed out for his country during the recent international break.
The midfielder was expected to miss ‘a few weeks’ according to Tuchel but even next week’s Champions League tie looks to come too soon and he will continue to be monitored.
Mason Mount
Mason Mount will be available for this weekend’s clash with Leicester after recovering from some dental work he had during the international break.
Mount was initially called up to the England squad for November’s fixtures but never reported for camp and eventually withdrew after needing more time to recover from his wisdom teeth extraction.
However, the midfielder has been back in training this week and will be expected to play on Saturday.
Thomas Tuchel said: ‘Mason is back in training, looking hungry and fresh and in a good spirit, but we need to evaluate. He did training sessions this week and looks good, but we need to see if he can start or play 90 minutes.’
How should Chelsea line up against Leicester if all passed fit? Have your say below.
Thiago Silva
There is no fresh injury concern with Thiago Silva but the Brazilian will need to take a late fitness test ahead of Saturday’s game.
Silva made a late return from international duty this week, despite not playing in Brazil’s game with Argentina on Tuesday.
However, it is thought that jet lag could be playing a part in his involvement this weekend, although he has returned to training.
