Chelsea injury and suspension list vs. Malmo

Chelsea continue their quest for Europa League glory on Thursday evening when they welcome Malmo to Stamford Bridge for the second leg of their last-32 tie.

The Blues head into the match on the back of a 2-0 loss to Manchester United on Monday that saw their FA Cup defence end before the quarter-finals.

Maurizio Sarri's side are strong favourites to progress through from this European tie with Malmo, however, as they lead 2-1 from the first leg thanks to goals from Ross Barkley and Olivier Giroud.

Despite being under immense pressure to pick up a result, Sarri may be tempted to rotate his side as Chelsea face Manchester City in the EFL Cup final three days later.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up the West London outfit's latest injury and suspension news ahead of the match at Stamford Bridge.

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Status: Slight doubt Type of injury: Back Possible return date: March 21

Fringe player Cahill has not featured since the 4-0 win over PAOK in the group stage but he is expected to be back available for selection in the next week.

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Status: Slight doubt Type of injury: Calf Possible return date: March 21

Another player who has barely featured under Sarri this term, Drinkwater was added to Chelsea's Europa League squad for the knockout rounds but has been struggling to shake off a niggling calf strain that he picked up in training last week.

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Status: Slight doubt Type of injury: Back Possible return date: March 21

Loftus-Cheek's troublesome back problem flared up again ahead of the first leg with Malmo, forcing Sarri to leave him behind, and he was not part of the squad for Monday's loss to Man United.

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

Something of a forgotten man at Stamford Bridge, Van Ginkel remains Chelsea's only long-term injury absentee having damaged his ACL. The Dutchman's last appearance for the club came in September 2013.

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Status: Slight doubt Type of injury: Flu Possible return date: March 21

Zappacosta is struggling with flu and faces a late fitness test ahead of Thursday evening's match at Stamford Bridge.

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Status: Slight doubt Type of injury: Stomach bug Possible return date: March 21

Spanish forward Pedro is another who has been struggling with illness this week. Sarri started him against United but he may miss out against Malmo.

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Status: Slight doubt Type of injury: Hamstring injury Possible return date: March 21

Sarri revealed at his pre-match press conference that Kepa is carrying a hamstring injury. The keeper is unlikely to be risked ahead of the EFL Cup final.

Chelsea have no players suspended for this match.