James, Chilwell, & Sanchez: Chelsea injury list & expected return dates ahead of Nottingham Forest clash

Chelsea will be looking to build on their stunning 5-0 win over West Ham last weekend as they continue their push for European football with a clash against struggling Nottingham Forest on Saturday. The Blues swept the Hammers aside in casual fashion courtesy of goals from Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, Conor Gallagher, and Nicolas Jackson, and have now recorded three victories and a draw in their last five outings.

That run of form has left Mauricio Pochettino’s side seventh in the table, two points adrift of Newcastle United and six behind Tottenham Hotspur, with three matches left to play. After travelling to Nottingham this weekend, Chelsea will face Brighton and Hove Albion and Bournemouth.

But how are they likely to line up against Forest, who know that a win on Saturday could be enough to ensure their Premier League survival this season? We’ve taken a look at Chelsea’s latest team news, as well as any prospective return dates where available, below...

Enzo Fernandez

Fernandez will be sidelined for the rest of the season after being struck down by a longstanding groin injury. Speaking about the midfielder recently, Mauricio Pochettino said: 'The moment Enzo felt pain and limitations because of the problem, the most important thing was to fix the situation. If he can't perform because of the situation, it's not good for him, not good for the team and not good for the club.'

Wesley Fofana

Another who is set to be out for the foreseeable future, Fofana is currently undergoing a lengthy period of rehabilitation to deal with a serious knee problem.

Romeo Lavia

Lavia has endured a nightmarish debut campaign in West London, and is not expected to play again this season due to a thigh injury. The hope now is that he can get in a full preseason to give himself the best chance of being ready in time for the 2024/25 campaign.

Lesley Ugochukwu

In better news, Ugochukwu is understood to be nearing a return to fitness following a thigh issue, and could be well enough to feature in some capacity against Forest. Speaking recently, Pochettino said: 'Lesley is doing his recovery. We will see in a few weeks if he can be part of the training sessions with the first team. But it is day by day that we are assessing these guys.'

Reece James

The Chelsea captain has been plagued by another injury hit campaign, and is currently recovering from a thigh complaint. As of April 26th, Pochettino claimed that James was ‘close’ to a return. This weekend may be a possibility.

Ben Chilwell

No return date has been set for Chilwell yet, with the full-back still dealing with the after effects of a knee injury sustained while away on England duty. Speaking about his player, Pochettino said: 'Chilly has the same problem he has suffered in the last few weeks after being with the national team.'

Carney Chukwuemeka

Another with no concrete return date in mind, Chukwuemeka is currently out with ‘something in his knee related to his problem before’.

Robert Sanchez

Sanchez is said to be in ‘partial team training’, but it is unclear as to exactly when he will return.