Chelsea team news: Injury, suspension list vs. Ajax

Chelsea return to action on Tuesday night when they square off against Ajax at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League.

Despite an opening-game defeat to Valencia, the Blues sit in top spot in Group H after back-to-back victories over Lille and Ajax respectively.

However, ahead of the reverse fixture with the Dutch giants, Frank Lampard has a number of selection dilemmas towards the end of a busy period for his squad.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest injury and suspension list for Chelsea ahead of the meeting in West London.

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Status: Minor doubt Type of injury: Groin Possible return date: November 5 (vs. Ajax)

Having taken no risks on Kante at the weekend, Lampard must now decide whether to include him from the start on Tuesday night. While the initial plan may have been to play the Frenchman, Jorginho's domestic suspension may lead to an appearance on the bench for the World Cup winner.

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Status: Minor doubt Type of injury: Hamstring Possible return date: November 2 (vs. Watford)

Lampard has acknowledged that Christensen is close to returning from a hamstring injury, sustained while on international duty with Denmark. The centre-back could feature among the replacements.

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Status: Out Type of injury: Pelvis Possible return date: November 23 (vs. Manchester City)

Rudiger has not featured since playing 45 minutes against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the middle of September. While the defender has recently suggested that he is ready to make his return, Lampard has said that the Germany international is due to undergo tests on a pelvic injury.

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

Loftus-Cheek has been out since May with a major Achilles injury. The academy graduate hopes to return at some point after the November international break.

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Status: Minor doubt Type of injury: Ankle Possible return date: November 5 (vs. Ajax)

Like Christensen, Barkley is closing in on a return to the first-team squad. Lampard may decide to keep the playmaker on the bench ahead of a potential start in the Premier League at the weekend.

Chelsea have no players who are suspended for this contest.