Mudryk, James, Chukwuemeka - Chelsea injury news and return dates for Bournemouth as two more out

Almost ironically, Chelsea's injury problems have started to clear up as the season comes to an end. For Mauricio Pochettino it is a good sign but also incredibly frustrating.

The Argentine has often been without at least eight players for each Premier League game in his first campaign in charge, missing 14 earlier this month against Tottenham. For the final match of 2023/24 his options will be lavish comparably.

As the Blues look to secure sixth spot and some form of European football, Pochettino will be able to name one of his strongest squads yet. Even with two of the names from Wednesday night's 2-1 win over Brighton being unavailable, the head coach has options.

Here, football.london brings you the latest from the Chelsea treatment room ahead of the match against Bournemouth. Chelsea know that a win will be enough to confirm at least a sixth-place finish.

Mykhailo Mudryk

Mudryk was subbed off in the 42nd minute against Brighton because of a concussion. He will not be available on the final day of the season.

What Pochettino has said: "No, he is not okay, we are checking. He was a little bit dizzy but we used the concussion substitution and the rule is seven days so he is not going to be available for the next game but I hope it is nothing wrong."

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Potential return date: Next season.

Reece James

James featured off the bench against Nottingham Forest and picked up a delightful assist in his 11-minute cameo. A few days later, the club captain again came off the bench for the final 20 minutes against Brighton, however his evening ended very differently with a straight red card being shown to him for violent conduct.

Injury: N/A.

What Pochettino has said: "Massive. It's unlucky there are only two games ahead and it's one week. It is important for him to recover for his feelings and he is such an important player for us. He is our captain. We all love him. Yes, important, and to see whether he will be fit and have a chance of making the Euros."

"We have one more week to work. He is doing well in the training sessions. After four or five months, he's not the same to train and compete but if he has the possibility to do that in the next two games, and if his coach in the national team believes he can cope with the competition, I think he will be ready."

Possible return date: Next season.

Carney Chukwuemeka

Chukwuemeka is back in team training ahead of Bournemouth. After enjoying a great start to the campaign, the 20-year-old midfielder has sadly been riddled with injuries and setbacks.

Injury: Knee.

What Pochettino has said: "Carney feels something in his knee. Related to his problem before. Hopefully it's not a big issue and they can be available as soon as possible because now we are going to lose two players who were there and thinking [they] can help the team."

Possible return date: Bournemouth (H) - Sunday, May 19.

Enzo Fernandez

Enzo Fernandez will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing groin surgery. The 23-year-old midfielder has recently begun a rehabilitation programme at Cobham training ground.

Taking to Instagram ahead of Chelsea's clash against West Ham earlier this month, Fernandez posted a picture of himself completing an exercise with a pair of dumbbells. Remaining coy on his rehabilitation, he reduced the caption to a couple of emojis – an hourglass and a white heart.

Injury: Groin.

What Pochettino has said: "At the moment he feels the pain and he feels the limitations because of the problem. The most important thing is to fix the problem for him. If he does not feel well, he cannot perform because of the situation, it's not good for him, the team or the club."

Possible return date: Next season.

Ben Chilwell

Chilwell was named on the bench against Brighton after spending a long period out once more. He is in contention to play the final match of the season.

Injury: Unknown.

What Pochettino has said: N/A.

Possible return date: Returned.

Robert Sanchez

Sanchez has been out of the side for a while now, with Marcus Bettinelli stepping into the number two role. The Spaniard shot-stopper has missed a large portion of the season with injury.

Injury: Unknown.

Possible return date: Next season.

Lesley Ugochukwu

Ugochukwu has recently returned to first-team training after four months out. The 20-year-old midfielder's last appearance came on Christmas Eve. In the final seconds against Brighton, Ugochukwu played his first minutes in nearly five months.

Injury: N/A.

Possible return date: Returned.

Romeo Lavia

Lavia is 'continuing to undergo his rehabilitation programme'. The 20-year-old midfielder has featured just once for Chelsea this season, having struggled to stay match-fit and escape injury.

Injury: Thigh.

Possible return date: Next season.

Wesley Fofana

Fofana hasn't featured once this season after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament. The 23-year-old defender has recently returned to training on the pitches at Cobham, though he's considered to be a long way from returning to first-team action.

Injury: ACL.

What Pochettino has said: "Unfortunately, I think it is difficult to see Wes playing this season, but you never know."

Possible return date: Next season.