Chelsea injury update: Joao Pedro, Estevao, Enzo Fernandez and Reece James latest news and return dates | OneFootball

Liam Rosenior hopeful of some good news on the injury front as Chelsea bid to salvage season

Chelsea will look to get back on track when they play Brighton at the Amex Stadium on Tuesday night.

The Blues have won just once in their last seven games in all competitions and defeat to Manchester United at the weekend is hardly the ideal preparation heading into a potentially season-defining week.

It is now four successive Premier League defeats for Chelsea, with their Champions League qualification hopes now hanging by a thread amid a battle on to ensure they don't miss out on European football altogether.

The loss to Man United coupled with failing to score did, understandably, overshadow Trevoh Chalobah's return from injury as he came off the bench late in the second half.

Reece James, Filip Jorgensen and Jamie Gittens all missed out, while there are fresh concerns over Joao Pedro, Estevao and Enzo Fernandez.

Joao Pedro

Chelsea were dealt a major blow before the Manchester United game as Joao Pedro was ruled out with a thigh injury.

“Joao felt his thigh a few days ago. He was touch and go for this one, so hopefully we'll have him back for Brighton on Tuesday,” Rosenior said.

Potential return date: Tuesday April 21, vs Brighton (A)

Estevao

Estevao tweaked his hamstring while through on goal in the first half against Man United and needed to be substituted in the 15th minute.

The Brazilian, who has only recently returned from an injury lay-off, headed straight down the tunnel after being replaced by Alejandro Garnacho.

Estevao is now doubtful to face Brighton as he will be assessed but the fact he was reduced to tears suggests the youngster is fearing the worst.

Estevao was forced off against Manchester United

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“Yeah, he was devastated,” Rosenior admitted. “He was crying at half-time. Really devastated for him.

“It looks like it's his hamstring. And that's a moment, actually, when he's running through on their goal for a one-v-one and pulls his hamstring in that moment.

“They're good lads, I have to say. They're honest, they're working hard. I don't want them to feel like everything's against them. And I hope Este comes back sooner rather than later.”

Enzo Fernandez

Enzo Fernandez returned to action for Chelsea following a club-imposed two-match suspension but asked to be replaced late on against Man United.

An update on the Argentine midfielder suggests he should be fine to face Brighton.

“I just saw him in the dressing room,” Rosenior said after the loss to Man Utd. “I think it was his calf. I'm hoping it's cramp.

“He's getting work on it right now because we want him obviously fit for Tuesday. I think the fact that he ran himself into the ground for the club tonight and I expect nothing different from a man of his stature and his quality.”

Reece James

James sustained a hamstring injury in the Premier League defeat by Newcastle on March 17.

The injury has been severe enough to keep the Chelsea captain out of action for the last four games in all competitions as well as both England matches during the international break.

Rosenior was initially hopeful the defender would be able to return to play a part in the run-in as they chase Champions League qualification.

However, speaking ahead of the Man United game, Rosenior said: “Reece is a little bit further away.”

Jamie Gittens

Jamie Gittens has suffered a setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury.

Gittens had been expected to make his return to action against Newcastle last month, with Rosenior stating in his pre-match press conference that the Chelsea winger would be named in the squad.

The 21-year-old, though, was a notable absentee from the matchday squad as Chelsea fell to a 1-0 defeat and there is doubt if he will play again this season.

Jamie Gittens has been sidelined since the 3-2 win over West Ham at the end of January

Chelsea FC via Getty Images

“I can't give you a definitive answer on that,” Rosenior said. “Jamie actually has responded really well to his last setback, but I don't want to put pressure on him.

“We need to make sure he's right in the long term.”

Filip Jorgensen

Filip Jorgensen’s chances of establishing himself as Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper were dealt a massive blow after requiring minor groin surgery that has seen him miss the last six games.

Jorgensen was also left out of the Denmark squad as they failed to qualify for the World Cup.

The keeper is now in danger of missing the remainder of the season.

Levi Colwill

Levi Colwill is continuing his recovery from the serious knee injury he suffered in pre-season.

In fact, the central defender made an appearance in a behind-closed-doors friendly for the U21s on Friday to increase his chances of a first-team comeback before the campaign is over.

“I'm hoping [we'll see Levi before the end of the season] as Levi is an outstanding player and a leader in the dressing room,” Rosenior said ahead of the Man United game.

Levi Colwill is making good progress on his return from an ACL injury

Chelsea FC via Getty Images

“Levi will play some minutes with the Under-21s tomorrow, which is fantastic for him.

“When you have a long-term injury, to the extent of Levi’s injury, you need a long rehab period. I want to make sure he is 100 per cent right in terms of his match fitness before we consider him for our first team.

“It [the game] has not been set up especially for him, but it's something that we think is right for him in this moment.”