Chelsea team news: Injury, suspension list vs. Fulham

Chelsea return to Premier League action on Monday evening as they square off against neighbours Fulham in the West London derby.

The Blues have endured a disappointing start to the new top-flight campaign, collecting just five points from their opening six matches.

However, after losing to Aston Villa in the league last weekend, Mauricio Pochettino witnessed his side respond with a 1-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion in the EFL Cup third round on Wednesday night.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up Chelsea's latest injury and suspension news ahead of their short trip to Craven Cottage.

Ben Chilwell

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

Chilwell was forced off during the closing stages against Brighton with what Pochettino acknowledged was an hamstring issue. Since then, it has been confirmed that the left-back faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Reece James

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

Chelsea captain James has stepped up his recovery from a hamstring issue in recent times, but the right-back remains unavailable for selection. He is also facing the possibility of a ban after being charged by the FA.

Christopher Nkunku

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

Summer signing Nkunku remains sidelined due to a serious knee injury, which could keep him on the treatment table until the back end of 2023.

Benoit Badiashile

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

Badiashile has not featured for Chelsea in 2023-24 due to a hamstring injury, but the 22-year-old centre-back is close to making his return.

Wesley Fofana

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

Having sustained an ACL injury back in July, Fofana is currently expected to miss the entire season.

Trevoh Chalobah

Status: Minor doubt Type of injury: Thigh Possible return date: October 2 (vs. Fulham)

Chalobah is yet to get any first-team action this season but the defender is closing in on a return from a thigh issue.

Carney Chukwuemeka

Status: Minor doubt Type of injury: Knee Possible return date: October 2 (vs. Fulham)

Chukwuemeka made just two appearances at the beginning of the campaign before picking up a knee injury. However, the midfielder is back in training, leading to Pochettino to hint that he may make an appearance on the substitutes' bench on Monday.

Romeo Lavia

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

Chelsea fans are still waiting for Lavia to make his debut following his summer switch from Southampton, with the highly-rated midfielder out due to an ankle issue.

Marcus Bettinelli

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

Backup goalkeeper Bettinelli is yet to feature this season due to an unspecified injury, and there is no news regarding a return date for the 31-year-old.

CHELSEA'S SUSPENSION LIST

Malo Gusto

Return date: October 21 (vs. Arsenal)

Gusto will miss Chelsea's next two matches after picking up a straight red card in last weekend's defeat to Aston Villa.

Nicolas Jackson

Return date: October 7 (vs. Burnley)

Although Jackson was available for the victory over Brighton - scoring in that encounter - but he will serve a one-match ban for collecting his fifth yellow card of the season in the Villa fixture.