Chelsea injury update: Reece James, Estevao, Malo Gusto latest news and return dates | OneFootball

Blues hit by major new setback ahead of PSG revenge mission in Champions League

They missed a chance to go third in the Premier League in doing so, and, if that were not disappointing enough, Liam Rosenior was also handed a pair of new injury concerns in the process as both Filip Jorgensen and Jamie Gittens were unexpectedly absent from the matchday squad.

While Robert Sanchez impressed between the sticks in Jorgensen’s absence, the Blues might have appreciated Gittens’ added impetus as they struggled to break Newcastle down.

With that in mind, here is all the latest Chelsea injury news and return dates.

Reece James

Chelsea’s influential captain - who signed a new six-year contract last week - started and played the full 90 minutes against Newcastle in a midfield role that he has fulfilled on several occasions this season.

However, he was a surprise absentee from the club’s pre-PSG open training session on Monday, with reports emerging that he had suffered another hamstring injury and would be out for weeks.

That news was confirmed at a subsequent press conference by Rosenior, who said: “He felt something in his hamstring at the end of the game against Newcastle.

Reece James signed a new six-year contract at Chelsea last week

Chelsea FC via Getty Images

“Really frustrating and disappointing one for us, we don't know the full extent of that injury. But that rules him out for tomorrow's game.

“It could be [weeks]. With a hamstring injury, it's never great. And for Reece, hopefully we can just get him scanned, we can find out the full extent and then we know more.

“Because obviously we know what an important player he is, what an important leader he is in the group. He's our captain.”

Potential return date: Unknown

Malo Gusto

Gusto scored Chelsea’s initial equaliser in their 5-2 loss in the first leg in Paris last week and then started against Newcastle, but was replaced by Liam Delap at half-time.

The French defender is struggling with illness and could leave Rosenior short on right-back options against PSG.

“In terms of Malo, he's ill today,” the head coach said on Monday. “So we'll have a look at him for tomorrow.”

Potential return date: Tuesday, March 17 vs PSG (H)

Estevao

Brazilian winger Estevao is fast approaching a return to competitive action after injuring his hamstring ahead of Chelsea’s draw with Burnley in late February.

Rosenior has confirmed that the youngster is progressing well, but he was not quite fit enough to face Newcastle.

However, Estevao was seen training at Cobham on Monday and could return against PSG.

Rosenior said: “Estevao is back in training. He'll be a part of the group. We'll assess whether he can take part in the game at some point tomorrow.”

Estevao has been sidelined with a hamstring injury

Chelsea FC via Getty Images

Potential return date: Tuesday, March 17 vs PSG (H)

Jamie Gittens

Gittens seems to have suffered a slight setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury suffered against West Ham on January 31.

The winger had been set to return to the matchday squad against Newcastle, but did not appear on the bench as expected.

Jamie Gittens suffered a setback in his recovery after returning to training

Chelsea FC via Getty Images

Speaking post-match, Rosenior explained: “Jamie was due back on the bench and he felt his hamstring late after training yesterday. So we're just checking up on him."

It is not immediately clear how severe a setback Gittens has suffered, nor how much longer he will spend on the sidelines having already missed 10 matches.

He was not seen in open Chelsea training on Monday ahead of PSG.

Potential return date: Unknown

Filip Jorgensen

It seemed Jorgensen had locked down the No1 position after starting ahead of Sanchez in Chelsea’s last two matches, but, after an error-strewn performance against PSG, he was dropped from the side to face Newcastle, not even making the bench.

Some may have been quick to assume that decision was a tactical one, but it transpired that he missed out with a minor groin problem.

Sanchez reclaimed his starting place against Newcastle, with Teddy Sharman-Lowe on the bench.

Rosenior said of Jorgensen before facing PSG again: “With Filip, he's felt something in his groin after the PSG game. And again, we'll get him scanned to find out the full extent of that injury.”

Potential return date: Unknown

Filip Jorgensen could not train ahead of Chelsea’s defeat by Newcastle due to a groin injury

Action Images via Reuters

Levi Colwill

Colwill has taken some huge steps of late in his recovery from a ruptured ACL.

The defender is yet to contribute to Chelsea’s campaign after he suffered a serious knee injury and underwent surgery in pre-season.

He has since been pictured in first-team training, though, and is pushing to make a return to competitive football before the season is out.

“Yes, he could [be back before the end of the season] but it’s step by step and I don’t want to make promises that I can’t keep,” said Rosenior.

“At the moment, Levi’s in a really good place. He’s on the right track but I don’t want to put pressure on him.

“I spoke to Levi this morning. He's working so hard and what a professional he is. It's been brilliant to see him back on the pitch running. He's itching to get back but we need to make sure he feels 100 per cent perfect.

“He’s another outstanding player I can’t wait to work with and he’s in a really good place. I don’t like putting timeframes on injuries because it puts unnecessary pressure on players when their health is the most important thing.”