Kante, James, Mount, Silva: Chelsea injury news and return dates ahead of Aston Villa clash

Raheem Sterling and Mason Mount are two players dealing with injury problems which resulted in both being left out of Gareth Southgate’s England squad. Reece James has since been withdrawn from the England camp to undergo an assessment regarding an ongoing injury issue.

N’Golo Kante stepped up his recovery from injury after playing 60 minutes in a development squad friendly against Charlton Athletic. Potter will have to manage his squad carefully with eight fixtures to play, including a Champions League quarter-final tie against Real Madrid.

With that said, football.london has rounded up the latest injury news from Stamford Bridge with several Chelsea stars in action over the international break and back at Cobham.

Reece James

Reece James has withdrawn from the England squad to take on Ukraine on Sunday evening due to an ‘ongoing issue’ with a minor hamstring injury.

The 23-year-old Chelsea defender has struggled with injury problems all season-long and unfortunately, it looks like another setback. James came on in Thursday night’s impressive win against Italy but was only on the pitch for just over five minutes after replacing Bukayo Saka.

England released the following statement on James: “Reece James has withdrawn from the England squad and will not feature against Ukraine on Sunday. The full-back has returned to Chelsea for an assessment on an ongoing issue.

“No replacements are planned as Gareth Southgate’s squad, including the suspended Luke Shaw, continue their preparations at Tottenham Hotspur Training Ground.”

Injury: Unknown

Expected return date: Unknown

N’Golo Kante

N’Golo Kante returned to the Chelsea matchday squad last weekend for the clash against Everton. The Frenchman played 60 minutes in a development squad victory over Charlton on Friday.

What Potter said: “N’Golo’s due to carry on training Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday with potentially a game to give him some minutes.”

Injury: hamstring

Expected return date: Aston Villa (H) – April 1

Mason Mount

Mason Mount has missed a number of games recently due to various injury issues. He has been in and out of training, but returned last Tuesday along with a number of other teammates.

However, despite originally being called up, Mount also had to pull out of Gareth Southgate’s England squad.

What Potter said: “It’s the same with Mason. He’ll miss the England camp as well.”

Injury: Lower abdomen

Expected return date: Aston Villa (H) – April 1

Raheem Sterling

After scoring a crucial goal against Borussia Dortmund, Sterling has faced another brief spell out of the team with Potter confirming the winger had a fresh fitness concern. He was also left out of Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the international break as a precaution.

What Potter has said: “Raheem has a problem with his hamstring. It’s not too serious but he’ll miss the game at the weekend and the international trip.”

Injury: Hamstring

Expected return date: Aston Villa (H) – April 1

Edouard Mendy

In January, Chelsea confirmed that Mendy underwent surgery on a fractured finger which he sustained during training. After an extended period of time on the sidelines, the Senegal international finally made his return to training last week, pictured alongside his fellow goalkeepers Kepa Arrizabalaga and Marcus Bettinelli.

Injury: Finger

Expected return date: Aston Villa (H) – April 1

Wesley Fofana

Potter revealed Fofana had been taken off against Everton due to fatigue, with many suspecting the defender has picked up another injury. The Frenchman was spotted in the dugout at Stamford Bridge with an ice pack on his right thigh, leaving some supporters to fear the worst.

He will now remain in England and look to make a return against Aston Villa. The 22-year-old did send a cryptic social media message to seemingly give an update on his condition, perhaps suggesting the situation isn’t as concerning as initially feared.

What Potter has said: “Wes Fofana had to come off with fatigue, as he has had a long time out. He was feeling his hamstring. Wes was fantastic and defended well.”

Injury: Hamstring

Expected return date: Aston Villa (H) – April 1

Armando Broja

Chelsea have been without Broja for a while now after the striker suffered a knee injury in a mid-season friendly against Aston Villa. The 20-year-old screamed in pain following a collision with Ezri Konsa and he was subsequently stretchered off the field of play.

He looked to be in considerable pain and was seen to be clutching his leg as he was tended to by medical staff. The Albania international had no history of knee injuries and his injury is a major blow.

Broja has been expected to be out for at least the remainder of the season after learning that he needed surgery to fix a ruptured cruciate ligament in his right knee, football.london reported at the time. However, he’s recently been pictured back in individual training at Cobham, albeit mostly gym work.

What Potter said: ”It was just an unfortunate action. He got caught up with their player and the ground. It doesn’t look positive at the moment but it’s too early to say. Fingers crossed but it is an awkward one.”

Injury: Knee

Expected return date: Summer 2023

Cesar Azpilicueta

Azpilicueta sustained a concussion against Southampton following a collision with striker Sekou Mara. The defender left the pitch on a stretcher and was taken to hospital but he’s on the mend now as he eyes a return.

What Potter said: “Azpilicueta had a knock in training, he’s had a problem there.”

Injury: Concussion

Expected return date: Aston Villa (H) – April 1

Thiago Silva

Silva was forced off with a knee injury in the Blues’ clash with Tottenham. The following Tuesday, Chelsea released a statement detailing his diagnosis.

The time off has been detailed as roughly six weeks, meaning he should return to action in early April. His wife has since posted a video of him getting treated at their home, writing on Instagram: “The needles are on top of the ligament, emitting shocks due to use, it hurts so much.”

What Potter said: “Thiago will be around that time [six weeks], not sure exactly.”

Injury: Knee

Expected return date: April