Chelsea injury update vs Arsenal with Chilwell, Reece James and Kepa latest
Chelsea have been dealt two major injuries ahead of their match against Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.
Graham Potter has confirmed that both Ben Chilwell and Kepa Arrizabalaga will miss the Gunners’ London Derby.
Potter did clarify that Denis Zakaria’s knock in the win over Dinamo Zagreb was not serious and that he will be in the matchday squad on Sunday.
Mateo Kovacic is also expected to play after returning to first-team training, but Carney Chukwuemeka, Chilwell, and Kepa appear to be out.
Reece James has accelerated his recovery in Dubai and is on track to make Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the World Cup.
Edouard Mendy replaced Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal against Zagreb after the Spaniard sustained an injury against Brighton.
So, with that in mind, SportsDias has looked at the injuries that Potter will have to deal with ahead of Chelsea’s match against Arsenal.
Ben Chilwell
Chelsea defender Ben Chilwell is a major doubt for the World Cup after limping off in the closing seconds of Chelsea’s Champions League match against Dinamo Zagreb.
In the fourth minute of added time, he pulled up clutching his hamstring and was helped off the field by Blues medical personnel.
The 25-year-old had only recently recovered from a long-term knee injury, but another injury could force him to miss more games, including England’s World Cup campaign.
What Potter said: “He [Chilwell] is going to go for a scan later this afternoon, so we’ll find out how he is then and there will be an update tomorrow.
“He feels ok but obviously aware of the injury. We need to let the swelling settle down, hence the delay with the scan. But we’ll know more after that.
“I wouldn’t say fear the worst; it’s just we all saw the nature of the injury. I can’t say it looks positive. But until we get the scan, it’s difficult to say.
“He’s ok, but I suppose until you get the diagnosis…at the moment we’re just hopeful and fingers crossed. From there we’ll get him back fit and strong. It’s disappointing, of course.”
Expected return date: Unknown.
Denis Zakaria
In the second half of Chelsea’s match against Dinamo Zagreb, Zakaria was replaced by Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
The midfielder had made an excellent debut under the lights at Stamford Bridge, which was unfortunately cut short.
He was seen perching himself on the floor after feeling discomfort in his right leg. The Switzerland international clutched the side of his upper thigh as he was hoisted up by the Blues’ medical team.
After walking around the field with little to no assistance from the medical staff, Zakaria made his way to the dressing room, implying that he was replaced due to a knock.
What Potter said: “He just got a kick. Just the contact. He was fine. No problems with him.”
Expected return date: Arsenal (H), November 6.
Kepa Arrizabalaga
Chelsea’s new first-choice goalkeeper was substituted at halftime against Brighton due to a foot injury and missed the final training session before the win over Dinamo Zagreb.
Following the game on the south coast, the boss stated: “He felt the bottom of his foot, so I don’t know, it’s too early yet. It was too bad for him to carry on. So that is disappointing for him because he is in a really good moment.”
Edouard Mendy appears set to remain in goal until the World Cup break, with Potter providing an update on the Spaniard’s condition.
What Potter said: “Kepa, no. It’s his plantar fascia (foot), so I don’t think he will play before the World Cup.”
Expected return date: Unknown
Mateo Kovacic
The Serbian has been playing through pain for several weeks and made his debut against Brighton, playing 90 minutes.
Kovacic was left out of Chelsea’s squad for the game against Zagreb, but he has since returned to training and is expected to be included in the matchday squad against Arsenal on Sunday.
What Potter said: “[Mateo] Kovacic trained today, so he’s in contention.”
Expected return date: Arsenal (H), November 6.
Wesley Fofana
Wesley Fofana’s knee injury suffered against AC Milan in early October, which was expected to keep him out ‘for a few weeks,’ has received little attention.
The Frenchman will now travel to Dubai to continue his rehabilitation.
What Potter said: N/A
Expected return date: Bournemouth (H), December 27.
Reece James
James, like Fofana, will be in Dubai to see a knee specialist after hobbling off injured against AC Milan earlier this week.
James was initially thought to be fine, but the injury worsened in the days following the game, and he is now expected to be out for at least eight weeks. He won’t be able to play until after the World Cup, but he could still make Gareth Southgate’s squad.
The eight weeks would take him until the beginning of December, which means he could be ready to play in the knockout stages if his initial recovery goes well. He is currently wearing a boot for protection.
What Potter said: N/A
Expected return date: Bournemouth (H), December 27.
Carney Chukwuemeka
Chukwuemeka missed the win over Zagreb and is a doubt for this weekend’s London Derby against Arsenal.
What Potter said: “Carney [Chukwuemeka] has a slight issue with his hamstring that we are getting to the bottom of.”
Expected return date: Unknown
Chelsea injury update vs Arsenal with Chilwell, Reece James and Kepa latest
