Chelsea will head into a crucial April in fine form having won their last six games in all competitions, leaving Thomas Tuchel’s side in a great position to add more silverware to the trophy cabinet. The Blues can still add the FA Cup and Champions League to their Super Cup and World Club Cup triumphs.
However, with the Blues playing in three competitions next month they will need their whole squad available to navigate a demanding set of fixtures. Next up for Tuchel’s side is a home clash with Brentford as they look to secure third spot in the Premier League.
The international break has perhaps come at a good time for Chelsea in order to allow them to get a number of their stars off the treatment table as we head into the business end of the season. Tuchel will be keen for more options, with the club poised to play as many as seven matches next month, while their game with Leeds still needs to be rearranged.
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The Blues welcome Brentford to Stamford Bridge on April 2 and there is the possibility of new owners being in place before then, which would enable fans to buy tickets to attend the game. Currently only season ticket holders would be able to attend the London derby against Thomas Frank’s side.
There is also hope that a number of players can return to the side after suffering injuries in the past few weeks. With that said, here’s a look at the latest injury news.
Reece James
Reece James made his long-awaited return from a hamstring injury against Newcastle, but he was sidelined with injury again soon after. The 22-year-old was called up for the England squad, but withdrew on Tuesday as he looks to continue his recovery.
What Tuchel has said: “Petr Cech will have this chat because, of course, the recommendation is that he does not go. He is still in individual training, otherwise, we would have brought him to Lille and we would have brought him here for sure. There is no doubt about it. He is still in individual training, he needs one more week of rehabilitation and I think we can provide this much better than – it is not the job of the national team to do this.”
Expected return date: Brentford (H), Saturday April 2
Kepa Arrizabalaga
Kepa Arrizabalaga has been a trustworthy back-up choice in goal this season, but he was unable to make the trip to Teesside for the FA Cup clash with Middlesbrough on Saturday due to illness.
What Tuchel has said: “Kepa is ill.”
Expected return date: Brentford (H), Saturday April 2
Andreas Christensen
Andreas Christensen was struck with yet another injury as he was substituted for what appeared to be a muscular issue against Lille in the Champions League. Tuchel confirmed the Dane couldn’t make the trip against Boro, however he has been called up to the Denmark national team for the upcoming break.
What Tuchel has said: “Andreas Christensen [is] uncertain. They are in training but weren’t in full training… It will be a tight race but maybe too close.”
Expected return: N/A
Jorginho
Jorginho was another who did not make the squad for the trip to Middlesbrough at the weekend, though concerns over a possible injury were soon relieved as Tuchel confirmed he used the fixture to rest the Italian.
What Tuchel has said: “We gave Jorgi the chance to have a pause. He has played six games in a row, 90 minutes, and has two crucial games with Italy, both physically and mentally. I decided that he could have a break and didn’t need the travel today.”
Expected return date: Brentford (H), Saturday April 2
Callum Hudson-Odoi
Callum Hudson-Odoi has struggled with an Achilles injury that has kept him out for a few weeks now. The 21-year-old also missed the latest match, but looks like he may be able to return after the international break.
What Tuchel has said: “Callum [Hudson-Odoi] and Andreas Christensen are uncertain. They are in training but weren’t in full training… It will be a tight race but maybe too close.”
Expected return: Brentford (H), April 2
Ben Chilwell
Ben Chilwell suffered a cruciate ligament injury in his knee that is set to keep the wing-back out for the rest of the season. The 25-year-old performed well in the early stages of the season, but won’t make a return until the summer.
Expected return: Summer 2022
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