Mauricio Pochettino will be hoping that his Chelsea players return from international duty unscathed with a huge clash against Arsenal on the horizon. The Blues will welcome Mikel Arteta’s side to Stamford Bridge on October 21 in what is poised to be a fiery London derby.

While Chelsea will of course be without some big players like Christopher Nkunku, Reece James is expected to finally make his return to the matchday squad after tweaking a knock on the opening weekend of the Premier League campaign. Elsewhere, Pochettino has been dealt some minor injury scare.

Axel Disasi and Nicolas Jackson have both recently withdrawn from international duty this month with injuries, although they’re believed to be precautionary omissions. So, with that being said, football.london has taken a look at the latest injury news from Stamford Bridge.

Cole Palmer

Palmer appeared to suffer a knock to his thigh during the first-half of the England Under-21s’ 9-1 win over Serbia on Thursday night. He received some medical treatment at half-time before he was replaced by Tino Livramento just moments into the second-half.

As it stands, the severity of Palmer’s issue remains to be seen. More to follow.

Christopher Nkunku

Nkunku is still yet to play a competitive game for Chelsea following his transfer from RB Leipzig in the summer. The 25-year-old was dealt a major blow to his knee during a pre-season friendly against Borussia Dortmund.

After months out of action, he has now stepped up his rehabilitation programme. Nkunku has recently returned to the gym, lifting weights alongside some occasional ball work.

Taking to Instagram to show off his hard work, the France international posted two black and white filtered pictures of himself in the gym. Last month, he posted a similar selection of images to his account showing him in the swimming pool and undergoing a medical test on his knee.

Possible return date: January 2024

Nicolas Jackson

Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson has withdrawn from the Senegal squad during the international break after undergoing a minor operation on his wrist. The 22-year-old has worn a splint in his last two appearances for the Blues after suffering from some discomfort in the area prior to the Carabao Cup third round victory against Brighton.

Jackson has now withdrawn from the Senegal squad for next Monday’s friendly with Cameroon and was replaced by Rangers’ Abdallah Sima. The former Villarreal striker has stayed in London to rest and recharge following the small procedure as he now aims to build up his fitness and continue his encouraging goalscoring form for the Blues.

Possible return date: Arsenal (H) – Saturday, October 21

Axel Disasi

Disasi featured in Chelsea’s starting lineup against Burnley during the weekend as the Blues picked up a comprehensive 4-1 win over the newly promoted side. Unfortunately, the defender suffered a quadricep injury during the match and has now been excluded from the France national team ahead of their upcoming international matches against Netherlands and Scotland, according to journalist Fabrice Hawkins.

Possible return date: Arsenal (H) – Saturday, October 21

Reece James

After waiting since the first day of the season for him to return from injury, the 23-year-old is back, but couldn’t feature over the weekend. James was given a retrospective one-game ban after being found guilty of abusing an official during Chelsea’s 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa.

It meant that he missed the clash with Burnley, but with a two-week break before the Arsenal game, there is growing hope the captain will be back involved.

What Pochettino said: “I think he was training with the group and he is suspended for tomorrow. I think yes [whether he will be back soon], we are really happy with his recovery and, after his injury, he is doing well.”

Possible return date: Arsenal (H) – Saturday, October 21

Mykhailo Mudryk

A minor quad injury saw Mykhailo Mudryk subbed off against Fulham and despite recovering from that issue, Pochettino admitted he did not want to take a risk by starting him against Burnley. The Ukraine international did come on for the final seven minutes.

What Pochettino said: “He is fully recovered now but we felt we shouldn’t take a risk with him, so he starts on the bench with the potential to come on and make an impact for us.”

Benoit Badiashile

Another who is yet to play for Chelsea this season, the defender has been sorely missed in the opening eight games. Chelsea revealed that Benoit Badiashile has been back in training, but missed out on the clash against Burnley as he steps up his recovery over the past few weeks.

Possible return date: Arsenal (H) – Saturday, October 21

Trevoh Chalobah

Chalobah has not been seen since suffering an injury in pre-season, but he is now nearing a return to action after making his way back into first-team training. The defender was unable to face Burnley over the weekend, but there is hope that he will be fit to return in a few weeks.

Possible return date: Arsenal (H) – Saturday, October 21

Ben Chilwell

When he came off injured against Brighton, reports suggested he could face a month on the sidelines. Pochettino admitted he is unsure when the left-back will return to action at his presser and football.london understands it is now likely to be around two months before he is seen again.

What Pochettino said: “It is difficult. I am no doctor and I cannot tell you what you are asking me. I think it is about judging day by day and we cannot say the period he will be out.”

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