Chelsea will aim to get back to winning ways when they face Wolves on Saturday.
The Blues failed in their quest to record six straight wins across all competitions after falling to a last-gasp 1-0 defeat to Arsenal in their Carabao Cup semi-final second leg showdown.
Trailing 3-2 from the first-leg last month, Chelsea never quite managed to put the Gunners under enough pressure to complete a third comeback win in the space of a week, thus missing out on a domestic cup final.
As a result, attentions must now shift back towards Premier League matters as Liam Rosenior’s side will be expected to pick up all three points against the division’s bottom side in their pursuit of a top-four finish.
The Blues, however, have a few fitness worries ahead of their trip to Molinuex after both Reece James and Pedro Neto missed the defeat to Arsenal.
With that in mind, here’s the latest Chelsea injury news and potential return dates...
Reece James
Given Reece James’ history with injuries, his absence from the matchday squad against Arsenal, while a surprise, was largely understandable as many figured his minutes were being managed.
However, when Liam Rosenior spoke to the media ahead of kick-off at the Emirates Stadium, it became clear the Chelsea captain missed the game through injury.
The Blues head coach then revealed afterwards that James picked up a “small knock”.
There is optimism that the England international will recover in time to lead the side out against Wolves, though an update is expected in the pre-match press conference later in the week.
Potential return date: February 7 v Wolves (A)
Pedro Neto
Pedro Neto is in a similar boat to James as he too missed out with what Rosenior described as a “small knock”.
“Pedro and Reece had small knocks,” Rosenior said after the Arsenal match. “They were just in too much pain for tonight.
“They're giving everything. They would always put their hand up to play. Reece is an incredible captain and leader. I know Pedro is an outstanding professional and a great player.”
After scoring in the reverse fixture against Wolves earlier in the season, Neto will be desperate to prove his fitness in a bid to haunt his former club once again.
Potential return date: February 7 v Wolves (A)
Jamie Gittens
Jamie Gittens limped off during the comeback win over West Ham and subsequently missed the loss to Arsenal.
Gittens, a summer arrival from Borussia Dortmund, started the London derby as Liam Rosenior decided to freshen things up by making SEVEN changes from the Champions League win over Napoli.
However, the winger’s involvement came to an end just before the half hour mark at Stamford Bridge.
Gittens received treatment from the Chelsea medical staff and walked rather gingerly to the dugout are upon being replaced by Pedro Neto.
Rosenior said after the game: "Jamie unfortunately felt his hamstring. I don't know the extent of the injury.
“It's a real shame for him because I wanted to give him a start, and I wanted him to show what he could do. so for him to come off after 25 minutes is disappointing for him and hopefully it's not too bad."
Potential return date: Unknown
Filip Jorgensen
Chelsea’s back-up goalkeeper has had a mixed time of things lately. Substituted at half-time of the Champions League win over Pafos with a muscle injury, he made a return quicker than expected and was named on the bench against Napoli.
However, he missed out on subsequent matchday squads against West Ham and Arsenal.
That said, Jorgensen is expected to be available for the trip to Wolves.
Speaking earlier in the week, Rosenior said: “He's close. He's close to being fit and hopefully it'll be either Arsenal or the game after this.”
Potential return date: February 7 v Wolves (A)
Tosin Adarabioyo
Tosin Adarabioyo was taken off as a precaution against Brentford last month and it was later revealed that he suffered a hamstring injury.
Rosenior then confirmed the defender would not return until at least the middle of the month.
However, Adarabioyo was back at Cobham last Friday doing light ball work and running, meaning he may have an outside chance of being available for selection for the weekend game against Wolves.
“Tosin was back out on the pitch today doing his individual rehab,” Rosenior said before the West Ham game.
Potential return date: February 7 v Wolves (A)
Dario Essugo
Dario Essugo has not had much luck since joining Chelsea in the summer and suffered a fresh setback after being named on the bench for cup ties against Charlton and Arsenal last month.
“Dario has picked up a really unfortunate injury. He slipped in training, and he’s going to be out for a while,” Rosenior revealed.
“We expect him to be out for over a month, which is a real shame because he’s an outstanding player.”
Potential return date: March
Romeo Lavia
Romeo Lavia has been out since suffering a thigh injury during the early stages of the 2-2 draw away at Qarabag in November.
The midfielder has since returned to training and is nearing the end of his rehabilitation to raise hope of a comeback before the end of the month.
On Friday, Rosenior said: “Romeo is in a really good place, and we just have to make sure this last stage of his rehab is really, really good.”
Potential return date: February 21 vs Burnley (H)
Levi Colwill
Levi Colwill is continuing his recovery from the serious knee injury he suffered in pre-season.
Rosenior has said the defender is progressing well and could even be in line for a return to action before the end of the season.
“Yes he could [be back before the end of the season] but it’s step by step and I don’t want to make promises that I can’t keep,” the Chelsea head coach revealed.
“At the moment, Levi’s in a really good place. He’s on the right track but I don’t want to put pressure on him.
“I spoke to Levi this morning. He's working so hard and what a professional he is. It's been brilliant to see him back on the pitch running. He's itching to get back but we need to make sure he feels 100 per cent perfect.
“He’s another outstanding player I can’t wait to work with and he’s in a really good place. I don’t like putting timeframes on injuries because it puts unnecessary pressure on players when their health is the most important thing.”
Potential return date: May
