Chelsea injury update: Reece James, Jamie Gittens and Benoit Badiashile latest news and return dates | OneFootball

Blues have received some good news during the international break

Chelsea could welcome back a number of key players to kickstart a huge period in their season.

After suffering four straight defeats before the international break, Chelsea return to action this weekend as they face Port Vale in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

The Blues will be expected to get back to winning ways against the League One side and reach yet another semi-final having done so in three other cup competitions in less than a year.

From there, focus shifts back to the Premier League and the battle for Champions League qualification as both Manchester clubs visit Stamford Bridge in the space of six days in what could be season-defining.

Captain Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah and Filip Jorgensen are among the Chelsea players who missed the international break with knocks, though there is a chance head coach Liam Rosenior will soon have a near full strength squad to select from.

Reece James

James missed the Champions League last-16 second leg defeat to Paris Saint-Germain after sustaining a hamstring injury in the Premier League defeat by Newcastle on March 17.

The injury was severe enough to keep the Chelsea captain out of action against Everton and for England too.

Rosenior, though, is hopeful the defender will be able to return to play a part in the run-in as they chase Champions League qualification.

Speaking ahead of the Everton game, Rosenior said: “Reece we’re going to look at more after the international break.

“It’s not serious but there is something in his hamstring.”

Potential return date: April

Trevoh Chalobah

Trevoh Chalobah missed the 3-0 loss to Everton after sustaining an ankle injury in the Champions League last-16 clash in Paris.

The defender took to social media to post nasty-looking image of his twisted ankle. The good news is that his injury is not as bad as first feared, though he is expected to be sidelined for around six weeks.

Rosenior said: “It wasn’t until later after the game that I saw the image. Then you’re really worried for the next game.

Trevoh Chalobah suffered a painful injury against PSG

AFP via Getty Images

“Fortunately it’s nowhere near as serious as we first feared. It’s still a serious injury. We’re looking at a period of about six weeks, which is a better period than we first thought.”

Potential return date: Saturday May 9, vs Liverpool (A)

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 three games.

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

The keeper is on course to be available for selection after the international break, perhaps providing Rosenior with a selection headache ahead of the Manchester City clash.

Rosenior said: “He had his scan and needed a minor operation. That’s a matter of weeks.”

Potential return date: Sunday April 12, vs Man City (H)

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, 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.

It was confirmed afterwards that Gittens had felt his hamstring in training and he subsequently has missed the last three games. His omission from the England U21 squad suggests he will not be fit until after the international break.

Potential return date: Sunday April 12, vs Man City (H)

Benoit Badiashile

Benoit Badiashile missed the second leg against PSG through illness and did not recover in time to make the trip to Merseyside, thus resulting in Jorrel Hato partnering Wesley Fofana in central defence.

The defender has been spotted in full training this week, meaning he should be available for selection against Port Vale.

Potential return date: Saturday April 4, vs Port Vale (H)

Levi Colwill

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

Rosenior has said the defender is progressing well and could even be in line for a return to action before the end of the season.

Comeback trail: Levi Colwill

Chelsea FC via Getty Images

“With an ACL, he’s hitting all the benchmarks he needs to,” said Rosenior. “He’s still looking at a good while yet. Hopefully [he can play this season].”

Potential return date: May