5 days Ago By Evening Standard
have received a worrying injury update as the final international break of the year draws to a close. 's squad has been hit with numerous fitness issues already this season, but those concerns have eased in recent weeks - even if Jadon Sancho missed the 1-1 draw at home to Arsenal last weekend. Fewer injuries has allowed for the Italian tactician to make full use of the playing squad at his disposal, leading to him naming a completely different XI from the Premier League side to that in the cup competitions.
Although as Maresca gears up for a return to former club Leicester City after the international break, here’s the latest Chelsea injury news...
Cole Palmer was a doubt to face Arsenal after he missed training in the build-up to the match following a nasty challenge from Lisandro Martinez during the 1-1 draw with Manchester United the week prior. Despite being passed fit and playing the full 90 minutes, he was not at his best and struggled to make an impact. Palmer was seen moving uncomfortably as he left Stamford Bridge after the match and did not join up with England this week.
came off with just over 20 minutes remaining against Arsenal and missed Belgium's 1-0 loss to Italy in midweek. in the London derby but was hoping to be fit for Sunday's clash against Isreal However, Belgium boss Domenico Tedesco has confirmed he has left Lavia out of the matchday squad due to a hamstring issue. "I think Romeo Lavia has a hamstring problem," he told RTL Sports: "It was bothering him this morning and we didn't want to risk him.
" Levi Colwill also withdrew from the England squad for games against Greece and the Republic of Ireland, with an unspecified injury cited as the reason. The defender was substituted after 82 minutes against Arsenal in a game where he did have to receive lengthy treatment. Concern increased when it was confirmed he had withdrawn from France U21 duty.
"The defender underwent a medical examination upon arrival at Clairefontaine, France's training base, on Monday. Today (Tuesday), the French Football Federation confirmed the withdrawal of Gusto and three other players due to injury," . Given how influential Gusto has been this season, Maresca will be hopeful the injury isn't too serious.
Also withdrawing from international duty, this time for the France senior side, was Wesley Fofana. And the defender was ‘experiencing pain in his left knee’ following the clash against the Gunners. As a result, the 23-year-old is a doubt for the trip to the King Power Stadium to face his former club.
Jadon Sancho's last appearance in a Chelsea shirt came in the 2-1 loss away at Liverpool towards the end of October. The winger has been battling illness and a knock recently, and will hope to make a return after the international break. Omari Kellyman is still waiting to make his debut for Chelsea, having arrived for £19million from Aston Villa in the summer.
The 19-year-old has not yet recovered from a hamstring injury, but recent reports suggest that Kellyman could return to training by the end of this month, with a view to being available in December..
