Head coach Mauricio Pochettino has suggested that he will have to make late decisions over the fitness of a number of his Chelsea players ahead of Saturday's Premier League fixture against Arsenal.
Chelsea went into the international break on the back of recording three successive wins over Brighton & Hove Albion, Fulham and Burnley in all competitions.
The Blues had been aided by the return of several players from injury, although their treatment room remains well populated with players from before and after the scheduled break in club action.
Most recently, Axel Disasi sustained a thigh issue that prevented him from linking up with France, while Nicolas Jackson underwent minor surgery on a wrist problem.
Furthermore, it was alleged that Reece James has suffered a setback in his attempts to return from a hamstring injury, as well as Armando Broja being sent home early from international duty with Albania.
© Reuters
Pochettino revealed at a press conference on Friday that Broja would miss out against the Gunners, but the Argentine hinted that he expected to have the other trio available.
Speaking to reporters, Pochettino said: "We need to assess now because we finished training a little bit later. We need to assess Axel Disasi, assess Nico, we need to also assess Reece.
"Broja is out because he has a little bit irritation in his knee, but it is the other knee, not the one that was the problem in the past.
"We have a few players that we need to assess to see who can be available and can play, or on the bench or maybe out of the list."
© Reuters
When quizzed on the fitness of other players and to expand on James's situation, Pochettino delivered a positive update on long-term absentee Benoit Badiashile and the club captain.
"Benoit can maybe be available to be on the bench. Reece was training good the last few days and I think now is the time to talk to the medical staff and decide if he can be part of the squad tomorrow."
Pochettino also indicated that each of Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo, who have been in South America with Argentina and Ecuador respectively, will both be available to start against their unbeaten London rivals.
Chelsea have already ruled out the likes of Trevoh Chalobah and Carney Chukwuemeka, who have suffered recurrences of thigh and knee injuries.
No Data Analysis info
