Chelsea team news: Injury, suspension list vs. Watford

Chelsea make a quick return to Premier League action on Wednesday evening when they square off against Watford, who are managed by former boss Claudio Ranieri.

The Blues will head into the fixture sitting at the top of the standings, their advantage reduced to one point on Sunday after a 1-1 draw with Manchester United.

With two more games, both away from Stamford Bridge, coming in quick succession, head coach Thomas Tuchel will want to see as few people in the treatment room as possible.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up all of Chelsea's latest injury and suspension news ahead of the short trip to Vicarage Road.

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

Kovacic suffered a hamstring problem in a training session last month, and a date for the Croatia international's return to action has not yet been set.

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Status: Out Type of injury: Knee Possible return date: December 4 (vs. West Ham United)

Ahead of the Man United game, Tuchel said that it would take a 'miracle' for Kante to return for that fixture. With just a three-day turnaround, the Blues head coach is unlikely to take any risks on the Frenchman, who twisted his knee last week.

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

After suffering a partial tear of his ACL against Juventus last week, Chilwell will not come back into contention until 2022 at the very earliest.

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Status: Minor doubt Type of injury: Undisclosed Possible return date: December 1 (vs. Watford)

Tuchel revealed at Tuesday's press conference that James was one of three players who would undergo a late fitness test for an undisclosed injury issue.

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Status: Minor doubt Type of injury: Undisclosed Possible return date: December 1 (vs. Watford)

Like with James, Tuchel revealed that Jorginho was rated as doubtful for the visit to Vicarage Road.

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Status: Minor doubt Type of injury: Undisclosed Possible return date: December 1 (vs. Watford)

See above. Tuchel gave no more information regarding the trio concerned other than they would undergo a late fitness test.

Chelsea have no players suspended for this match.