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

Chelsea will be aiming to win just their second match of the 2023-24 Premier League season when they welcome Aston Villa to Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon.

The Blues entered the recent international break off the back of a 1-0 home loss to Nottingham Forest, before being held to a goalless draw by Bournemouth last weekend.

Mauricio Pochettino's side have picked up five points from five matches thus far, which has left them down in 14th position in the table, already 10 points behind the leaders Manchester City.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up Chelsea's latest injury and suspension news ahead of their clash with Villa, who recorded a 3-1 win over Liverpool last time out.

Noni Madueke

Status: Minor doubt Type of injury: Muscle Possible return date: September 24 (vs. Aston Villa)

Madueke was not involved against Bournemouth last time out due to a muscular problem, but the attacker was back in training earlier this week and should be in the squad against Villa.

Marc Cucurella

Status: Minor doubt Type of injury: Illness Possible return date: September 24 (vs. Aston Villa)

Cucurella was another player missing at Bournemouth due to illness, but he was back in training on Tuesday and is likely to be in contention for this contest.

Moises Caicedo

Status: Minor doubt Type of injury: Knee Possible return date: September 24 (vs. Aston Villa)

Caicedo did not play against Bournemouth due to a knock to his knee, but the midfielder is expected to be available for selection at home to Villa this weekend.

Reece James

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

Chelsea captain James is in the latter stages of his recovery from a hamstring issue, but this match will come too soon for the England international.

Christopher Nkunku

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

Summer arrival Nkunku is still in the treatment room continuing his recovery from a serious knee injury, with the attacker unlikely to be available for selection until January.

Benoit Badiashile

Status: Minor doubt Type of injury: Hamstring Possible return date: September 24 (vs. Aston Villa)

Badiashile could be in the squad for the clash with Villa on Sunday, with the centre-back making excellent progress in his recovery from a hamstring issue.

Wesley Fofana

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

Fofana is on the sidelines recovering from an ACL injury, and there are fears that the centre-back will be unavailable for selection for the entire season.

Trevoh Chalobah

Status: Minor doubt Type of injury: Thigh Possible return date: September 24 (vs. Aston Villa)

Chalobah came close to leaving Chelsea before the transfer deadline, but he remained at Stamford Bridge, and the centre-back could be available for selection this weekend.

Carney Chukwuemeka

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

Chukwuemeka was forced off with a knee injury in the recent clash with West Ham United, which could keep the midfielder on the sidelines until the latter stages of October.

Armando Broja