Mendy, James, Loftus-Cheek - Chelsea injury round-up and potential return dates

Chelsea may not be in Premier League action this weekend like the rest of the top flight’s 18 clubs but the Blues have a huge clash awaiting them in the Middle East.

The Blues are currently in Abu Dhabi competing in the FIFA Club World Cup and defeated Asian Champions League winners Al-Hilal on Wednesday, with Romelu Lukaku sealing a 1-0 victory.

And that meant they advanced to Saturday’s final, where they will face Brazilian outfit Palmeiras at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium.

Thomas Tuchel is awaiting his Covid-19 test results to determine whether or not he will link up with his squad for this clash, but there will definitely be three players out of the picture come 4:30pm on Saturday.

Here is the current state of play and the potential return dates of those currently out injured.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy is back in contention for selection this weekend after returning from winning the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal.

Mendy kept a clean sheet as the Lions of Teranga drew 0-0 with Egypt after extra time, before winning the penalty shoot-out 4-2, but was left out of the Blues squad for Wednesday's match.

On Tuesday, first team coach Zsolt Low said: "Mendy arrives later today or tomorrow. We will see how he is, how tired he is. We have to check him, we have to talk to him. We will see in a few days whether there is a possibility he plays."

Defender Reece James has travelled to Abu Dhabi with the squad but is out of Saturday’s Club World Cup final as he continues to recover from a thigh injury.

James has been back in training but still needs extra time to recover, although there is hope that he could return by the end of the month.

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