BREAKING NEWS: Reece James, Axel Disasi, and Nicolas Jackson: Latest Chelsea Injury Updates Following Final Pre-Season Match.
Chelsea are gearing up for their first Premier League match of the 2024/25 season against Manchester City, set to take place in less than a week. During the preseason, the Blues experienced mixed results, suffering heavy defeats to City and Celtic. However, they managed a 1-1 draw with Italian champions Inter Milan on Sunday under the guidance of Enzo Maresca.
This summer has been particularly active for Chelsea in terms of transfers, with ten new players joining the squad at Stamford Bridge. Their most recent acquisition is Portuguese winger Pedro Neto from Wolves. More signings might be on the horizon before the transfer window closes on August 30 at 11 pm.
Chelsea are also dealing with several injury issues. Here is a look at the club’s current absentees and those who have recently returned:
Reece James
– Status: According to The Athletic, Reece James has encountered a setback in training, described as a minor injury. Chelsea will be cautious about his return, given his poor fitness record over the last two years. James is unavailable for the opening game against Manchester City due to a suspension and was seen hobbling during the preseason in America. After undergoing hamstring surgery last season, he returned for the final months. James might not be back until after the season’s first international break.
– Injury: Hamstring.
– Possible Return Date: Bournemouth (A) – September 14.
Djordje Petrovic
– Status: Petrovic was excluded from Chelsea’s preseason tour due to a minor injury and did not join the group in America.
– Injury: Unknown.
– Possible Return Date: Unknown.
Omari Kellyman
– Status: Kellyman also missed the USA tour due to injury. He has not yet trained with the first team but played for the Under-21s on Saturday, August 10, marking his first outing.
– Injury: Unknown.
– Possible Return Date: Returned.
Axel Disasi
– Status: Disasi traveled to America with the team but did not play. He is recovering from an injury sustained at the end of last season. He expressed to the Chelsea website that he is back on the pitch but not fully fit, aiming to regain strength lost due to his injury.
– Injury: Unknown.
– Possible Return Date: Unknown.
Nicolas Jackson
– Status: Jackson traveled to America but didn’t play initially. He returned to training before the final match against Real Madrid and played against Inter Milan on Sunday.
– Injury: Unknown.
– Possible Return Date: Returned.
Levi Colwill
– Status: Colwill had his minutes managed during the tour but returned to the starting lineup against Madrid, playing the full game and part of the match against Inter.
– Injury: N/A.
– Possible Return Date: Returned.
Moises Caicedo
– Status: Caicedo joined the team shortly after Copa America and was a second-half substitute against Madrid and Inter.
– Injury: N/A.
– Possible Return Date: Returned.
Benoit Badiashile
– Status: Badiashile wasn’t expected to play against City, but he did come on for ten minutes in the second half. He was carefully managed throughout the tour, playing 90 minutes against Madrid and making an appearance against Inter.