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Football London
Football London
Sport
Jamie Kemble

Silva, Kovacic, Christensen- Chelsea injury news and fitness updates ahead of Arsenal clash

Chelsea are preparing for a London derby with Arsenal on Wednesday when they will aim to take another big step towards a top four finish.

The Blues moved into third place after their impressive away win over Manchester City last time out, extending their lead over West Ham in fifth to six points.

Thomas Tuchel's men now look a solid bet to secure Champions League football for next season, even if they don't beat Manchester City in this season's final.

But more significant tests remain with a London derby against Arsenal before a clash with top four rivals Leicester City and a date with Aston Villa.

Ahead of the first of those games, we have rounded up all the latest injury news concerning the Blues.

Mateo Kovacic

Kovacic was the only Chelsea star to miss the trip to Manchester City with injury.

The central-midfielder, who has been excellent since Tuchel's arrival, has been forced to miss the Blues' last eight with a hamstring injury.

But there is optimism that he could make a return against the Gunners.

Before the trip to City, Tuchel admitted that the Blues "hope" to have him back for the clash with Arsenal.

"[Mateo] Kovacic is out but we hope to bring him back for Arsenal and then hopefully for Wembley," Tuchel said on Friday.

"It will be tight for Arsenal, but for tomorrow he is out. Everyone else is ready."

Kovacic could return on Wednesday (James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images)

Andreas Christensen

Christensen hobbled off at the Etihad Stadium in the closing stages of the first half clutching his hamstring.

The centre-back, who has also impressed since Tuchel arrived at the club towards the end of January, had to be replaced by Kurt Zouma, who helped the Blues see out the win.

Despite that, Tuchel is hopeful that the defender will be sidelined for a matter of days, not weeks.

"I hope it’s not too bad,” Tuchel told Chelsea TV after the game. "It’s more or less the same [injury] that he suffered some weeks ago around Porto games, I think, where we had to replace him.

"It was a 50/50 decision today [Saturday] whether we wanted to put him on the pitch or not. I hope we did not make a mistake. Because he’s so crucial for us in the last weeks — so, so strong.

"I hope we can escape with some days [of absence] and not weeks. But I’m not sure yet, I have no confirmation yet."

Elsewhere, Thiago Silva, Ben Chilwell and Mason Mount all look set to return after getting a rest last time out.

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