Chelsea are back in action on Sunday when they face a tough-to-break-down Everton side that has kept three clean sheets in their last four games. The Blues have been in fine form themselves of late, forcing their way into the title race and giving themselves a chance of being top at Christmas.
Enzo Maresca’s men must remain consistent over the festive period to stay in the race, and a win on Merseyside would be a fine start. Here we round up all the final injury updates for both sides.
Reece James – Out
James is sidelined after a setback, with Maresca confirming recently: “He will start with us for part of the session. So slowly, slowly, he is moving forward. That doesn’t mean he will be with us on Sunday or next Sunday. Tomorrow, part of the session will be with him managed then it’s building the right condition for him.”
Wesley Fofana – Out
Fofana is out with a thigh injury, and Maresca has said he will be out for a ‘long period’.
Romeo Lavia – Doubt
It looks as though Lavia will remain out, with Maresca saying this week: “He will start with us for part of the session. So slowly, slowly, he is moving forward. That doesn’t mean he will be with us on Sunday or next Sunday. Tomorrow, part of the session will be with him managed then it’s building the right condition for him.”
Mykhail Mudryk – Out (Suspended)
Mudryk is provisionally suspended by the FA over allegations of a failed drug test.
Omari Kellyman – Out
Kellyman remains out with a hamstring injury, but he is said to be close to a return.
Timothy Iroegbunam – Out
Sean Dyche has said: “Jimmy (Garner) and Tim (Iroegbunam) are still a little bit behind the curve. They’re making progress, though, so that’s good. But that’s not going to be quick progress at this stage.”
James Garner – Out
Garner falls into the same update. He has a back injury.
