Chelsea team news: Injury, suspension list vs. Fulham

Chelsea return to action on Thursday evening when they make the shortest of trips to Craven Cottage to face Fulham in the Premier League.

The Blues are currently enduring one of their worst periods of form for some time, losing six of their last nine fixtures in all competitions.

Graham Potter's side bowed out of the FA Cup on Sunday evening as they were comprehensively beaten 4-0 by Manchester City, the third defeat against those opponents during 2022-23.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up Chelsea's latest injury and suspension news ahead of their upcoming showdown with their fellow West Londoners.

Raheem Sterling

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

Raheem Sterling lasted a mere five minutes against Man City last Thursday and was subsequently ruled out of Sunday's fixture at his former club. After the game, Potter indicated that no timeframe has been determined for the winger's return at this stage.

Christian Pulisic

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

While Christian Pulisic was initially believed to have suffered an ankle knock in the same game, Potter revealed on Sunday that the United States international had "opened up his knee" in a challenge. As it stands, the winger has been ruled out for "weeks" by his head coach.

Reece James

Status: Out Type of injury: Knee Possible return date: February 3 (vs. Fulham)

The luckless Reece James continues to work his way back from the knee injury that he suffered against Bournemouth on December 27 and will not be available for another few weeks yet.

Ben Chilwell

Status: Major doubt Type of injury: Hamstring Possible return date: January 12 (vs. Fulham)

Chelsea have reportedly been handed a major boost over the fitness of Ben Chilwell, who is understood to have made a recent return to training, but it remains to be seen when he will come back into contention.

N'Golo Kante

Status: Out Type of injury: Hamstring Possible return date: March 4 (vs. Leeds United)

N'Golo Kante underwent surgery on a hamstring injury at the end of last year, and the injury-plagued Frenchman should spend at least another couple of months on the recovery table.

Wesley Fofana

Status: Out Type of injury: Knee Possible return date: January 21 (vs. Liverpool)

Wesley Fofana is working his way back from a setback in his recovery from a knee injury and is currently pushing to try to return by the meeting with Liverpool on January 21.

Armando Broja

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

Armando Broja sustained a season-ending cruciate ligament injury during a winter friendly with Aston Villa, and the Albanian striker will spend months in the infirmary.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek

Status: Major doubt Type of injury: Calf Possible return date: January 12 (vs. Fulham)

Ruben Loftus-Cheek's troublesome calf problem prevented him from turning out in the defeat to Man City on Thursday, but the midfielder may be in with a chance of returning for the upcoming game at his former loan club.

Edouard Mendy

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

Chelsea have announced that goalkeeper Edouard Mendy has undergone an operation on a fractured finger, which he sustained in a training session, and he will be out for an unspecified period of time.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Status: Minor doubt Type of injury: Back Possible return date: January 12 (vs. Fulham)

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was a surprise absentee from the squad on Sunday, and Potter later revealed that the Gabon international was suffering with a minor back injury.

CHELSEA'S SUSPENSION LIST

Chelsea have no players suspended for this match.