Chelsea team news: Injury, suspension list vs. Aston Villa

Chelsea make the trip to Aston Villa looking to boost their chances of securing a top-four finish in the Premier League standings.

The Blues have recorded seven points from their last three league encounters, with the 4-0 victory over Everton keeping the club three points ahead of fifth-placed Manchester United.

However, Frank Lampard had a number of players unavailable for the contest with the Toffees, something which led to Premier League debuts being handed to two academy players.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest injury and suspension news for Chelsea ahead of the visit to the West Midlands.

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Status: Major doubt Type of injury: Ankle Possible return date: March 14 (vs. Villa)

While there have been conflicting reports regarding the severity of Abraham's ankle injury, no risks are likely to be taken on the academy graduate. The former Villa loanee may feature among the replacements at the weekend.

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Status: Major doubt Type of injury: Adductor Possible return date: March 8 (vs. Villa)

N'Golo Kante has been absent since picking up an adductor injury against Manchester United last month. Although the Frenchman is close to making a return, Lampard must decide whether he is prepared to risk the fitness of a player who has sustained a number of issues this season.

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

Having suffered a setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury, Hudson-Odoi is expected to remain sidelined for the foreseeable future. It would be a surprise if the winger comes back into contention for the weekend.

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

Pulisic has been out since New Year's Day with an adductor problem, and it is still unclear when the United States international will be available for selection.

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

Kovacic suffered an Achilles problem against Liverpool last week, an injury which Lampard suggested could keep the Croatian on the sidelines for at least a few weeks.

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Status: Out Possible return date: March 18 (vs. Bayern Munich)

Jorginho will miss the trip to Villa as he serves the second of his two-match Premier League suspension for 10 yellow cards.