Joao Felix, Reece James, Thiago Silva: Chelsea injury update and return dates after Leicester win
After Chelsea victory over Leicester City, Graham Potter reassured countless fans of the team worldwide by announcing that Joao Felix’s substitution during halftime was a tactical decision and not due to injury, despite him receiving dangerous tackles.
Additionally, Reece James is currently recovering from a minor illness and could return to action soon. Raheem Sterling’s recent performance against Borussia Dortmund is promising for his potential return in the near future.
However, Mason Mount may have difficulty reclaiming his spot in the starting lineup as Potter’s plans for the team begin to take form.
SportsDias will now provide you with the most recent injury updates after Chelsea’s match against Leicester City.
Joao Felix
During the match against Leicester, there was a moment where Ricardo Pereira engaged in a rough physical altercation with Felix, which was described as “disgusting.”
It appeared that the Leicester defender intentionally stepped on the underside of Felix’s right ankle with his boot, resulting in significant discomfort for the Chelsea player.
Although there were a number of fouls committed against Felix during the match, the on-field referee, Andre Marriner, did not consider Pereira’s challenge to be a foul, and VAR did not review the incident. Despite the rough play, Felix was substituted at half-time as part of a tactical decision made by Potter.
What Potter has said: “No [he did not pick up an injury], just tactically, I wanted to use an extra midfielder. I felt we needed someone who could ball win, a different profile and I thought Conor was fantastic when he came on.”
Injury: N/A
Expected return date: Everton (H) March 18.
Reece James
James made his return to the starting lineup for Chelsea’s match against Borussia Dortmund, having previously missed the game against Leeds due to hamstring tightness. However, he was absent from another Premier League game over the weekend due to an illness.
What Potter has said: “Reece [James] has been ill so hasn’t trained today. He won’t make the game tomorrow.”
Injury: Illness
Expected return date: Everton (H) March 18.
Raheem Sterling
Sterling, who scored a critical goal in the game against Borussia Dortmund, may be facing another short period of absence from the team. Potter has confirmed that the winger is dealing with a new fitness issue.
What Potter has said: “Raheem [Sterling] has had a little feeling in his hamstring, tightness if anything, so he’s looking doubtful.”
Injury: Hamstring
Expected return date: Everton (H) – Saturday, March 18.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Aubameyang’s chances of reclaiming a spot in the Chelsea team have been dealt another blow as the experienced forward is currently dealing with a back issue.
Meanwhile, the Chelsea frontline is starting to take form with Kai Havertz scoring another goal over the weekend.
What Potter has said: “[Pierre-Emerick] Aubameyang has a slight problem with his back and he’s looking likely he will miss the game.”
Injury: Back
Expected return date: Everton (H) – Saturday, March 18.
Mason Mount
Recently, Mason Mount has had difficulty securing a place in the first-team due to his lower abdominal issue, causing him to miss several games. Although he returned to training on Thursday, he did not make an appearance in the matchday squad.
What Potter said: “Mason’s had a problem with his lower abdomen area, the bone, so he’ll miss the game tomorrow [against Leeds]. We hope it won’t be too long but tomorrow will be too soon.”
Injury: Lower abdomen
Expected return date: Everton (H) – Saturday, March 18.
N’Golo Kante
Kante, whose contract with Chelsea ends in the summer, has not played under Potter since sustaining a hamstring injury during the Tottenham match in August.
Although the midfielder has resumed first-team training, he has not yet been included in the team sheet. It is uncertain how long it will take for Kante to fully recover, but his return would be a significant boost for the team.
What Potter said: “He won’t be – still needs more time to build up. We aiming maybe for Everton. Unfortunately, not for tomorrow.”
Injury: Hamstring
Expected Return date: Everton (H) – Saturday, March 18.
Cesar Azpilicueta
Azpilicueta suffered a concussion during the match against Southampton due to a collision with striker Sekou Mara, resulting in his departure from the pitch on a stretcher and transportation to the hospital.
However, he is now recovering and aiming to make a comeback. He was present at the stadium during the Tottenham match, but not included in the matchday squad.
His return was deemed too soon for both the Dortmund and Leicester games, and more time is required before he can play again.
What Potter said: “Azpi [Cesar Azpilicueta] has made progress but is not through protocols after a head injury like that.”
Injury: Concussion
Expected return date: March
Thiago Silva
During Chelsea’s match against Tottenham, Silva sustained a knee injury that caused him to leave the field. The club released a statement on the following Tuesday that outlined his diagnosis. The estimated time of recovery was around six weeks, which would bring him back to the field in early April.
Silva’s wife posted a video on Instagram of him receiving treatment at home, with needles being placed on top of the ligament, generating shocks due to use, causing him much pain.
What Potter said: “Thiago will be around that time [six weeks], not sure exactly.”
Injury: Knee
Expected return date: April
Edouard Mendy
In January, Chelsea announced that Mendy had undergone surgery for a fractured finger that he sustained during training. Consequently, he was expected to be absent from the squad for a period of time, with an estimated recovery time of at least six weeks. However, he has since returned to training at Cobham.
What Potter said: “Mendy’s making progress but he’s not yet joined full training with the group.”
Injury: Finger
Expected return date: Late March to April
Armando Broja
Chelsea striker Broja suffered a knee injury in a mid-season friendly against Aston Villa and had to be stretchered off the field of play. The 20-year-old was seen clutching his leg and screaming in pain following a collision with Ezri Konsa.
After being diagnosed with a ruptured cruciate ligament in his right knee, Broja is expected to be out for at least the remainder of the season and will require surgery.
This injury is a major setback for the Blues, as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is currently out of favour.
What Potter said: ”It was just an unfortunate action. He got caught up with their player and the ground. It doesn’t look positive at the moment but it’s too early to say. Fingers crossed but it is an awkward one.”
Injury: Knee
Expected return date: Summer/Autumn 2023
Joao Felix, Reece James, Thiago Silva: Chelsea injury update and return dates after Leicester win
Joao Felix, Reece James, Thiago Silva: Chelsea injury update and return dates after Leicester win
