As Chelsea charge into the closing stretch of the season, their injury concerns are finally starting to ease, just in time.
Despite a campaign dogged by fitness issues, the Blues’ squad is slowly coming back together. And it couldn’t be more timely. With hopes still alive for a top-five Premier League finish and a European trophy within reach, things are looking up at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea Injury Update
Enzo Maresca’s side has turned a corner. Three straight league wins—including a statement 3-1 victory over champions Liverpool—have put them right back in the mix. Wins over Fulham and Everton, followed by the Liverpool scalp, have revived belief.
In Europe, Chelsea are already halfway through the door to the UEFA Conference League final. A dominant 4-1 away win over Djurgarden means they carry a healthy lead into the second leg at home.
But challenges still lie ahead. A heavyweight clash against Newcastle looms at St James’ Park on Sunday, followed by tests against Manchester United and Nottingham Forest to round out the season.
Nkunku, Guiu, and Anselmino near return as the Blues chase a Premier League top-five spot and eye Conference League triumph in Wroclaw this month.
Here’s the latest from the treatment table at Cobham.
Christopher Nkunku
Nkunku and Robert Sanchez both stayed in London during the trip to Djurgarden, where they were undergoing treatment. While Sanchez returned to start against Liverpool, Nkunku remains sidelined.
The French forward is dealing with what Maresca originally labelled a “small problem”. However, it now appears more serious than first thought.
“Christo will be out for, I’m not sure, I think one week, two weeks,” Maresca said. “We are going to see. He will be out for the next 10 days, 15 days.”
Potential return: Friday 16 May vs Manchester United (H) or Sunday 25 May vs Nottingham Forest (A)
Marc Guiu
The teenage striker, a summer recruit from Barcelona, was flying earlier in the season with six goals in the Conference League. But he hasn’t featured since 3 February after suffering a hamstring injury.
There was optimism he was close to returning, but the Liverpool fixture came too soon. Maresca hinted last month that Guiu was “getting closer,” but confirmed he’s still not ready.
Potential return: Sunday 11 May vs Newcastle (A)
Aaron Anselmino
The Argentine centre-back returned early from his loan at Boca Juniors in January, but is still waiting for his senior Chelsea debut.
Maresca revealed ahead of the Liverpool clash that Anselmino is carrying a minor muscle issue, adding to his previous hamstring problems. The club is handling his recovery cautiously. There’s speculation he could feature in the Club World Cup this summer in the US.
Potential return: June – Club World Cup
Wesley Fofana
Fofana’s season was cut short once again after undergoing hamstring surgery in April. It’s been a frustrating spell for the defender who only recently returned before another setback.
Potential return: Next season
Omari Kellyman
The £19 million signing from Aston Villa hasn’t kicked a ball competitively for Chelsea. Hamstring surgery in March ended his season early.
Potential return: Next season
As Chelsea gear up for a high-stakes finish to their season, the injury list, though still significant, is finally thinning. While key players like Nkunku and Guiu edge closer to a return, long-term absentees like Fofana and Kellyman are already focused on next year.
The Blues now have the depth and momentum to fight on both domestic and European fronts. All eyes are on Newcastle next. Victory there could change everything.
