LONDON, ENGLAND — Chelsea and Bournemouth could be without as many as 12 players when they meet in the Premier League on Saturday, with injuries affecting both squads ahead of the weekend fixture.
Chelsea have endured a difficult spell, failing to win their last three league matches. They lost to Arsenal and Brentford and drew with Hull City during that run.
Bournemouth have also struggled for results, recording three draws and two defeats in their opening five matches and sitting just above the relegation zone.
With both teams returning to league action after the international break, injury updates will be crucial in determining their available squads.
Chelsea Monitor Key Players
Chelsea striker Joao Pedro remains a major concern after withdrawing from Brazil’s squad because of a knee problem.
The forward has reportedly not taken part in first-team training during the international break, leaving his availability for Saturday uncertain.
Cole Palmer is facing a similar situation. The England international withdrew from Thomas Tuchel’s squad because of a muscular problem and instead continued his rehabilitation in the Caribbean under the supervision of a specialist fitness professional.
Chelsea captain Reece James has also spent the break working on his rehabilitation from a hamstring injury. The club has not provided precise details about the nature of his latest problem.
Caicedo Nears Chelsea Return
Moises Caicedo could provide a boost for Chelsea after making progress in his recovery from a persistent calf problem.
The Ecuadorian midfielder has played only 14 minutes this season but is reportedly approaching a return to competitive action.
Emmanuel Emegha is another player whose availability remains uncertain. The Dutch striker has yet to make his Chelsea first-team debut after joining from Strasbourg during the summer.
Emegha has been recovering from a hamstring injury and could return to the squad against Bournemouth, having been considered for selection before the international break.
Jamie Gittens is also a concern after withdrawing from England Under-21 duty with an ankle problem.
The winger was reportedly pictured using crutches after suffering what was described as a kick to his ankle before returning to Chelsea’s Cobham training centre for further assessment.
Palestra Could Return
Marco Palestra could provide Chelsea with another boost.
The Italian defender missed the start of the season because of a quad injury but has recently returned to first-team training.
Palestra, who reportedly joined Chelsea for £47 million during the summer, could therefore be available for selection against Bournemouth.
Bournemouth Suffer Scott Blow
Bournemouth have also suffered injury setbacks during the international break.
Alex Scott withdrew from the England camp after sustaining a quadriceps injury.
The 23-year-old reportedly felt the problem before England’s match against Croatia but played 70 minutes before subsequently leaving the international squad.
Eli Junior Kroupi and Amine Adli are also approaching returns but could miss Saturday’s trip to London.
Kroupi has been sidelined since July with a serious foot injury, while Adli has been recovering from a calf and shin problem sustained in August.
Bournemouth Await Defender Updates
Veljko Milosavljevic is another doubt for the Cherries.
The Serbian defender is expected to return after the international break, although his availability for the trip to Stamford Bridge remains uncertain because of a knee injury.
Julian Araujo will not return in October after suffering a thigh problem.
Bournemouth manager Marco Rose indicated that the defender needs more recovery time, with November now the target for his return.
There is also uncertainty surrounding Justin Kluivert.
The Netherlands international suffered an injury during Bournemouth’s Europa League victory over Real Sociedad before the international break and subsequently missed the defeat to Liverpool.
Saturday Clash Could Test Squad Depth
Both Chelsea and Bournemouth therefore face selection concerns ahead of Saturday’s Premier League meeting.
Chelsea will hope several of their injured players can return in time, particularly as the club looks to end its recent run without a league victory.
Bournemouth, meanwhile, will want to avoid further setbacks as they attempt to improve a difficult start to the campaign.
With several players still awaiting final fitness assessments, both managers could face difficult decisions before naming their teams at Stamford Bridge.
