Chelsea injury update: Three stars set for Wembley heartbreak as Romelu Lukaku returns
Chelsea will have to focus immediately on the FA Cup semi-final against Crystal Palace on Sunday after being knocked out of the Champions League in midweek.
The Blues put in a strong performance in Madrid but fell short of progressing after Karim Benzema’s late header ensured that the 13-time Champions League champions advanced to the competition’s final four.
The good news from the defeat in Madrid is that the players gave everything they had on the field, and unlike their probable opponents in the finals, Manchester City or Liverpool, none of the Chelsea players were injured.
Chelsea have previously gone to Wembley this season, when they were unfortunate to lose a protracted penalty shoot-out to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final; they will be looking to see off Crystal Palace, who have been fantastic under manager Patrick Vieira.
So, with everything on the line, here are three Chelsea players who are poised to miss the game due to injury or illness.
Callum Hudson-Odoi
It’s been a tough season for Callum, who appeared to be ready to take his game to the next level early this season under Thomas Tuchel.
According to reports, his condition is a chronic achilles injury that has limited him to only one game since early February. He’s been unlucky, but you get the impression he’s running out of time to prove his true worth at the club.
Possible return date: He’s not available right now, and he’s definitely out of the game at Wembley.
Ben Chillwell
Has been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a knee injury suffered against Juventus in November.
Has had surgery and has been seen enjoying his time off, albeit given the current scenario, there isn’t much he can do.
His absence has hurt Chelsea’s wing-back setup, and Blues fans can’t wait to see him back racing up the path.
Potential return date: Mid-next season, but on track to return sooner than expected.
Ross Barkey
Barkley has had a difficult season since, when he has been fit, he has hardly made the squad and has missed the trip to Madrid owing to illness.
Even though his management said he was feeling well, I’m not convinced he’ll be totally prepared for Wembley owing to the rapid turnaround.
He will almost definitely be searching for more playing time elsewhere this summer.
Potential return date: Crystal Palace not sure if he will make the team
Romelu Lukaku
The Chelsea record signing was unable to travel to Madrid, but he has been pronounced fit for the FA Cup semi-final.
Has performed admirably throughout the competition and will be hoping to secure his team’s position in the final.
ALSO READ:
- Mason Mount to ‘force Man Utd player to leave’ as trio ‘drawing’ him to transfer
- Why Erik ten Hag is confident Manchester United can beat Man City in FA Cup final
- Chelsea star’s gesture at full-time all but confirms summer departure
- Mauricio Pochettino signs three-year deal to become new Chelsea manager
- Bayern Munich target likely to play for Manchester City next season: Fabrizio Romano
- ‘So smart’: Kevin De Bruyne jokes Man City teammate can play in about 19 different positions
- Pep Guardiola issues worrying injury verdict on Manchester City duo ahead of FA Cup and Champions League Finals
Chelsea injury update: Three stars set for Wembley heartbreak as Romelu Lukaku returns
