Chelsea team news: Injury, suspension list vs. Valencia

Chelsea get their Champions League campaign underway on Tuesday night when they host Valencia at Stamford Bridge.

Frank Lampard's side have been one of the Premier League's most entertaining so far this season, with young English players in particular shining in games which have involved a league-high 22 goals - 11 for and 11 against.

Tammy Abraham stole the show with a hat-trick in a 5-2 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, and goals should perhaps be expected again considering that Valencia lost by the same scoreline at Barcelona last time out.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up Chelsea's latest injury and suspension news ahead of Tuesday's Group H clash.

© Reuters

Status: Major doubt Type of injury: Ankle Possible return date: September 17 (vs. Valencia)

Lampard has confirmed that N'Golo Kante is in the "final steps" of his recovery from an ankle injury, although he was not deemed fit enough to feature against Wolves. The Frenchman returned to training on Monday and could feature in some capacity on Tuesday, although it is unlikely to be from the start.

© Reuters

Status: Major doubt Type of injury: Thigh Possible return date: September 17 (vs. Valencia)

Emerson picked up an injury after only eight minutes of Italy's win over Finland during the international break, although it has been confirmed that it is only a minor problem. The full-back was unavailable against Wolves and only has an outside chance of making this match.

© Reuters

Status: Major doubt Type of injury: Groin Possible return date: September 17 (vs. Valencia)

Rudiger's first start since April came to a premature end at the weekend when he suffered a bizarre injury, slipping over when leaving the field at half time and being taken off as a result. The good news is that Lampard has confirmed that his withdrawal was only a precaution, and that it is a groin problem rather than damaging his knee again. Whether he starts again in such quick succession after such a long time out remains to be seen, particularly after he missed training on Monday.

© Reuters

Status: Out Type of injury: Achilles Possible return date: November 2 (vs. Watford)

Loftus-Cheek is still some way from returning from his Achilles injury and is not expected back in first-team action until November at the earliest.

© Reuters

Status: Major doubt Type of injury: Achilles Possible return date: September 17 (vs. Valencia)

Hudson-Odoi is back in training after an Achilles injury of his own and it is now a case of building him back up to match fitness. Lampard could name him in his squad for this game to help with that.

© Reuters

Status: Major doubt Type of injury: Ankle Possible return date: September 17 (vs. Valencia)

James is also now back in training and is another who must regain his fitness. It could be a couple of weeks before he plays, but he is available should Lampard need him.

© Reuters

Status: Out Type of injury: Knee Possible return date: Unknown

A forgotten man at Chelsea, Van Ginkel is on his way back to fitness from a long-term ACL injury, although there is still no timescale on his recovery.

Chelsea have no suspended players for this match.