Speaking after Chelsea’s penalty shoot-out win over Southampton on Tuesday evening, manager Thomas Tuchel provided a slightly concerning update.
On a night when a number of fringe players failed to make a pressing case for more regular time, the German revealed that his pre-match plans had been scuppered somewhat by injuries to three players.
While Tuchel stressed none of the injuries to Cesar Azpilicueta, Ruben Loftus-Cheek or Andreas Christensen were long-term problems, the notion of being without the trio as the fixture schedule starts to ramp up is clearly a worry.
Chelsea travel to Newcastle United on Saturday before hosting Malmo in the Champions League on November 2 and rounding the week off by welcoming Burnley on November 6.
“We hope Azpi is back,” said Tuchel.
“He had a shoulder injury yesterday after a little accident in training.
“He fell on his shoulder and it is very painful but it is Azpi and he is a tough guy.
“Andreas needed surgery on his tooth and he should be back, if no complications, Thursday in training.
“Ruben felt after training in the hip joint some pain and hopefully we can handle it until Saturday. “
