Chelsea have struggled with injuries all season, but should get some relief soon as key players return to fitness. 

Raheem Sterling, Axel Disasi, Enzo Fernandez and Levi Colwill all look set to return ahead of their FA Cup semi-final clash against Man City on Saturday, and will be joining a team that is riding high after a comprehensive 6-0 dismantling of Everton on Monday. 

The win was a much needed boost after some recent disappointing results. Chelsea have twice thrown away three points against relegation battlers, conceding equalizers in the 81st and 93rd minutes against Burnley and Sheffield United, in between a dramatic 4-3 win against Manchester United. 

After looking like they may fall into the bottom half, Chelsea are now challenging for a place in Europe. They’re one point behind West Ham in 8th with two games in hand, and three points behind Manchester United with a game in hand and a better goal difference. 

Chelsea’s reinforcements are coming at the right time, as Pochettino has had to rely on benches full of youngsters. Cesare Casadei, Deivid Washington, Alfie Gilchrist, Tyrique George and Kiano Dyer have combined to play 88 Premier League minutes this season, and yet made up over half the substitutes against Everton. 

Cole Palmer, Malo Gusto and Ben Chilwell have all struggled with fitness, and the return of several first team players will provide depth to the team with several important fixtures coming up. 

Here is the latest Chelsea injury news in full and return dates...

Fernandez is currently undergoing medical assessment, and was absent from the matchday squad against Everton after playing 90 minutes against Sheffield United the week before. 

According to reports in Argentina he suffered an inflammation to his adductor. Pochettino said he didn’t believe it was “a big issue”, and he may be fit enough to return for the FA Cup semi-final against Man City. 

Potential return date: April 20, vs Man City

Axel Disasi is also undergoing medical assessment, although it is less clear what for. Disasi started against Sheffield United, and was in contention to return against Everton, although he eventually did not make the matchday squad. 

Pochettino described his issue as different to Fernandez’s but again thought it was minor. 

Potential return date: April 20, vs Man City

Sanchez has struggled with fitness this season, and has since been relegated to a back-up role behind Đorđe Petrović.  Since starting the FA Cup quarter final against Leicester, he has missed four consecutive matchday squads.

Chelsea’s website currently list him as absent due to illness. 

Potential return date: Unknown

Madueke limped off against Everton last night in the 72nd minute, with what looked like a cramp. He walked straight down the tunnel, before coming back out to the dugout ahead of the final whistle. 

Madueke was likely only subbed off out of caution, and he’ll likely be fine for Saturday’s game. 

Potential return date: April 20, vs Man City

Sterling has been mostly fit this season, and made the matchday squad against Sheffield United. 

He hasn’t been in training since, missing out at first due to back problems, and then due to illness. According to Pochettino, “He is suffering from vomiting.” 

Potential return date: April 20, vs Man City

Lavia has only played once this season since joining from Southampton for £53 million last summer, coming on in the second half against Crystal Palace on December 27 after missing the first five months with an ankle injury. 

Lavia sustained a thigh injury during the game, and has since been ruled out for the season. 

Potential return date: Unknown

Colwill has been dealing with a toe injury since Chelsea played Crystal Palace on February 12, and has not played since Chelsea’s 2-2 draw against Brentford on March 2, after he felt increased pain during the game. 

Colwill has been participating in light training, and warmed up on the sideline during Chelsea’s game against Everton.

Potential return date: Unknown

James has long struggled to stay fit. He went off with a hamstring injury in the first game of the Premier League season, which kept him out for two months. He returned in late October and was able to play in Chelsea’s next eight games before reaggravating the same hamstring injury. 

James chose to undergo surgery to fix the underlying problem in December. He is currently in recovery, and it is unclear if he’ll play before the end of the season.  

Potential return date: Unknown

Nkunku is another much-heralded summer signing who’s missed most of the season. He went down with a knee injury in pre-season that kept him out till November. He played four games in December, before missing more time with a hip injury. 

Nkunku was able to stay fit during February and played in the Carabao Cup final, but went down with a hamstring injury after the game. He has been out since then, and it is unclear when he’ll return.

Potential return date: Unknown

Ugochukwu initially injured his hamstring early in December. He came back to play against Wolves on Christmas Eve, before reaggravating the injury. He has been ruled out since and no updates have been given on his condition. 

Potential return date: Unknown

Fofana has been out since the summer 2023 with a torn ACL. Pochettino confirmed in early March that it was unlikely that Fofana would return this season.