Chelsea defender Reece James is back in training(Image: Getty Images)

James, Colwill, Madueke - Chelsea injury news latest and return dates ahead of Liverpool clash

Chelsea injury news and updates ahead of Sunday's trip to Liverpool as Enzo Maresca's side look to return to winning ways after the international break

18 Oct 2024, 12:59 by Kieran King · football.london

Chelsea are back in action when they make the trip to Liverpool this weekend. Enzo Maresca's side have made a solid start to the season, picking up 14 points from their opening seven Premier League matches.

The Blues started the season with a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City but followed that up with a thumping 6-2 win at Wolves. After being held to a 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace, Maresca's side secured three successive victories over Bournemouth, West Ham and Brighton before the 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest prior to the international break. They sit fourth in the table but now face a difficult-looking set of fixtures.

As for Liverpool, Arne Slot's side sit top of the Premier League and have made an excellent start, winning six of their first seven games. Their only defeat came at home to Forest last month, with the Reds winning their last three against Bournemouth, Wolves and Crystal Palace.

Ahead of the trip to Anfield, Chelsea have been handed a boost with Reece James available for selection for the first time this season after recovering from a hamstring problem. Here is the latest on the fitness and availability of the Chelsea squad for the trip to Anfield.

Reece James

Injury: Hamstring

James is available for selection for the trip to Liverpool after returning from a hamstring issue. He has trained with the Chelsea squad over the international break and could feature at Anfield.

What has been said: "He is available. He worked with us through the international break. Finally, he is back. It's complicated when you get injuries again and again. It's not easy - you are always looking for a solution. The solution with Reece is the same we are using with Wes and Romeo; using them in one game per week. Reece's body, at the moment, cannot play twice a week."

Potential return date: Vs Liverpool (A) (Sunday, 20 October).

Carney Chukwuemeka

Reason for absence: Illness.

After missing the games against Genk and Nottingham Forest before the international break, Chukwuemeka is on course to return for the trip to Anfield.

Potential return date: Vs Liverpool (A) (Sunday, 20 October).

Levi Colwill

Injury: Unknown

Colwill was a slight injury concern after being substituted in the second half against Nottingham Forest. In a boost to Chelsea, the defender played the full 90 minutes of England’s Nations League clash against Greece on Thursday before being an unused substitute vs Finland. He is available to face Liverpool.

Potential return date: Vs Liverpool (A) (Sunday, 20 October).

Noni Madueke

Injury: Unknown

Like Colwill, there was some concern over Madueke after he was taken off in the second half against Forest. He did, however, also join up with the England squad over the international break and made substitute appearances against both Greece and Finland. But Maresca said there are no new injury concerns and he is set to feature at Liverpool.

Potential return date: Vs Liverpool (A) (Sunday, 20 October).

Marc Cucurella

Reason for absence: Suspension.

Cucurella picked up his fifth booking of the season against Nottingham Forest. He will therefore serve a one-match suspension.

Expected return date: Vs Panathinaikos (A) (Thursday, 24 October).

Wesley Fofana

Reason for absence: Suspension

Like Cucurella, Fofana also picked up his fifth caution of the campaign vs Forest. He will also serve a one-match ban.

Expected return date: Vs Panathinaikos (A) (Thursday, 24 October).

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