Chelsea squad depth tested as key players ruled out for weeks | OneFootball

Chelsea Injury Update: Latest News on Nicolas Jackson, Noni Madueke, and Romeo Lavia

Blues Facing Selection Headaches Ahead of FC Copenhagen Clash

Chelsea continue to grapple with a growing injury list as they prepare for a pivotal phase of the season. With their Conference League last-16 tie against FC Copenhagen looming, Enzo Maresca is navigating through an ongoing fitness crisis that threatens to derail their push for Champions League qualification.

Photo: IMAGO

The upcoming schedule presents a formidable challenge, with crucial Premier League encounters against Arsenal and Tottenham on the horizon. Chelsea’s depth is being tested, and Maresca will be hoping for swift returns from key players.

Here’s the latest on Chelsea’s injury concerns, expected return dates, and what it means for the squad.

Trevoh Chalobah Nearing Return

Trevoh Chalobah is on track for a return against Copenhagen, providing a timely boost to Chelsea’s defensive options. The centre-back has been sidelined since sustaining a back injury during the 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa last month, but his recovery appears to be progressing as expected.

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Maresca played down concerns over the severity of the issue last week, stating: “He will be around one week to 10 days.” Given that timeframe, Chalobah could be available for selection in Denmark.

Potential return date: March 6, vs FC Copenhagen (A)

Nicolas Jackson Out Until April

Chelsea’s attacking options remain depleted with Nicolas Jackson set for a prolonged spell on the sidelines. The forward suffered a hamstring injury in the 2-1 win over West Ham in early February, and his absence leaves Maresca without a recognised striker.

Photo: IMAGO

The latest update from the Chelsea boss confirmed that Jackson will not return until after the international break.

“Nico will be out until the international break, probably available after that,” Maresca revealed on February 13. “Unfortunately he had a scan a few days ago and it is an important one, it will be around six to eight weeks.”

Potential return date: April 3, vs Tottenham (H)

Noni Madueke Also Sidelined Until April

Noni Madueke’s absence further limits Chelsea’s attacking threat. The winger picked up a hamstring injury during the 3-0 defeat to Brighton last month and, like Jackson, will not be back in action until April.

Maresca had already hinted at a prolonged lay-off when discussing the injury: “Noni probably will be out until the international break.” His absence means Chelsea must navigate crucial fixtures without one of their more dynamic forward players.

Potential return date: April 3, vs Tottenham (H)

Benoit Badiashile Edging Closer to a Comeback

Benoit Badiashile has been missing since December after suffering a thigh injury in training, but there are encouraging signs regarding his recovery. The French defender has been reintegrating into training at Cobham in recent weeks, raising the possibility of a return before the international break.

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Maresca is yet to confirm a firm date for his return, but his presence in training suggests he could be back in contention soon.

Potential return date: Unknown, but possibly before the international break

Romeo Lavia’s Frustrating Spell Continues

Romeo Lavia’s injury woes persist, with the midfielder ruled out until after the international break. He has been sidelined since January due to another hamstring issue, further disrupting what has been a stop-start first season at Stamford Bridge.

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His continued absence means Chelsea remain short of midfield options at a crucial stage of the campaign.

Potential return date: April 3, vs Tottenham (H)

Marc Guiu Sidelined with Hamstring Injury

Marc Guiu is another casualty of Chelsea’s mounting injury crisis. The forward has been ruled out until April, meaning he will miss key fixtures, including both legs of the Conference League tie against Copenhagen. His absence is a setback given his recent scoring form in Europe.

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Potential return date: April 3, vs Tottenham (H)

Chelsea’s injury struggles remain a significant concern for Maresca as he looks to keep their European and domestic ambitions alive. With key players unlikely to return until April, the squad’s depth will be tested in the weeks ahead.