Palmer, Gusto, Nkunku - Chelsea injury news and return dates for Aston Villa after Arsenal loss

Chelsea crumbled without two of their better performers in recent weeks as Mauricio Pochettino's side were hammered 5-0 by Arsenal on Tuesday night. The Blues conceded four times in quick succession in the second-half, falling to their biggest defeat of the season.

Working without Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto due to injury and illness, Pochettino opted to go with several surprise changes including starting Mykhailo Mudryk as well as replacing both centre-backs from the weekend's close FA Cup semi-final. Alfie Gilchrist got the nod at right-back as well in a true baptism of fire for the 20-year-old.

The changes were to no avail, though, as Arsenal ran riot in north London. More worryingly for Pochettino, things don't get any easier either now.

Chelsea travel to Aston Villa on Saturday before then hosting Tottenham the week after. Here, football.london has the latest injury news ahead of the upcoming fixtures.

Cole Palmer

Palmer missed the game at Arsenal having not trained on Monday. He completed 90 minutes against Manchester City on Saturday but came down with an illness.

Injury: Illness.

What Pochettino has said: "Today [training], no. We need to assess him tomorrow morning. But today, no, I don't believe he can be involved, but we need to assess him tomorrow and then we can decide.

"Even if he will be good tomorrow, maybe he is not in a condition to play. I hope he can recover from this situation as soon as possible and be involved again with the team."

Possible return date: Aston Villa (A) - Saturday, April 27.

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Malo Gusto

Gusto has endured some injury problems this season with another appearing to emerge against Man City. The France international received treatment from the physios in the final quarter before being subbed off in the 79th minute.

He was also absent for the Arsenal clash.

What Pochettino has said: "Malo suffered a minor problem in his knee ligaments. I am not a doctor, but you asked me and I respect trying to translate what is going on. I hope it is not a big issue."

Injury: Unknown.

Possible return date: Unknown.

Ben Chilwell

Chilwell has suffered plenty of knocks this season and was named as a substitute against Man City on Saturday. He came on late in the game but didn't make the matchday squad on Tuesday night.

injury: Unknown.

What Pochettino has said: "Chilly, also, after the national team – it's the same problem he suffered in the last few weeks."

Possible return date: Unknown

Christopher Nkunku

Nkunku is now back in partial team training, according to the official club website. The 26-year-old forward has been out for most of the season, and he's currently missing with a hamstring issue.

Injury: Hamstring.

What Pochettino has said: "They assess him day by day and in the last few days he has the possibility to be involved in some parts of the training session. We now need to see the reaction of his body and see how he evolves. We hope he can be involved soon."

Possible return date: May.

Robert Sanchez

Sanchez had been 'absent due to illness' in the past week but has now returned to partial team training. He struggled with fitness earlier this season, and wasn't included in the FA Cup semi-final squad or the defeat to Arsenal.

Injury: Illness.

Possible return date: Aston Villa (A) - Saturday, April 27.

Levi Colwill

Colwill is 'continuing to undergo his rehabilitation programme', according to the club. The 21-year-old defender has been nursing a toe injury, which has caused him to miss some big games for Chelsea and hasn't played in over four weeks.

Injury: Toe.

What Pochettino has said: "We only found out after the [Brentford] game. We finished with two players who then couldn't train. Levi's problem is his toe."

Possible return date: Unknown.

Reece James

James is 'continuing to undergo his rehabilitation programme'. The 24-year-old defender has recently begun rehabilitation after undergoing hamstring surgery at the end of last year.

He continues to train individually at Cobham. He has been involved in outdoor solo work for over four weeks.

Injury: Hamstring.

What Pochettino has said: "We were talking and he has started his recovery, one day closer to being with the group. This is really positive and we're all positive around him, we are going to help. It's tough for a player with a very complicated and difficult season for him. Now's the process to start to recover and it's one day less until he's part of the group. The most important thing is to start to solve the problem and help him to be strong."

Possible return date: Unknown.

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.

Lesley Ugochukwu

The Frenchman has returned to partial team training after four months out. The 20-year-old midfielder's last appearance came on Christmas Eve.

Injury: Unknown.

Possible return date: Next season.

Wesley Fofana

Fofana is 'continuing to undergo his rehabilitation programme'. The 23-year-old defender has returned to training on the pitches at Cobham, but he's still considered a long way from returning to action.

Injury: Ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.

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.