James, Chilwell, Kellyman - Chelsea injury news and return dates after Panathinaikos clash
Chelsea secured a comfortable 4-1 win over Panathinaikos in their Europa Conference League clash on Thursday.
Enzo Maresca's side sits top of the competition's league stage after two matches as they seek a first European trophy since their famous 2021 Champions League victory. The Blues' attention will now turn to Sunday's Premier League clash at home to Newcastle United.
And Maresca has several fitness concerns within his squad ahead of the weekend. Below is the latest on Chelsea's injury situation...
Reece James
Injury: Hamstring
The full-back was a surprise inclusion from the start against Liverpool after returning to training. He played 53 minutes before being replaced by Renato Veiga. Maresca chose to rest him against Panathinaikos.
What Enzo Maresca has said: “For him and Romeo [Lavia], the idea was for him and Romeo to have one hour or 55 minutes maximum. I was quite afraid to keep them on for more minutes on the pitch so I decided to change both of them on 55 minutes."
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Potential return date: Sunday, October 27 (vs Newcastle (H))
Ben Chilwell
Reason for absence: Illness
Chilwell has been fighting to get back into the matchday squad under Maresca, with his only appearance so far being in the Carabao Cup. His chance may have been impacted after missing training recently due to illness.
What Enzo Maresca has said: “Chilly is one of our players. He was ill [this week], so he didn't get any sessions. We will see how he is today and tomorrow.”
Potential return date: Sunday, October 27 (vs Newcastle (H))
Omari Kellyman
Reason for absence: Hamstring strain
The 19-year-old summer signing had made two appearances for Chelsea’s U21 team before suffering a hamsting strain that has seen him miss the last five Development Squad matches.
What Kellyman has said: Writing on X (formerly Twitter), the player said: “Gutted to have suffered a hamstring injury. Part of the game but I’ll be back stronger.”
Potential return date: Unknown