Chelsea are dealing with a growing list of injury concerns as the first week of the international break ends. Two Blues, Mike Penders and Jamie Gittens, picked up new injuries while away with their national teams, adding to the issues that kept Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro and Reece James out of international duty.
Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro
Cole Palmer withdrew from the England squad with an injury, reportedly a minor muscular issue that Chelsea are managing. His absence is also partly attributed to load management, with the club keen to avoid a repeat of the persistent groin injury that troubled him last season.
Joao Pedro missed Chelsea's last match before the break after suffering a knee injury in the 2-2 draw with Hull. He later dropped out of Brazil's squad, but is expected to return after three weeks of rest.
Potential return date for both: October 10 vs Bournemouth (H).
Reece James and Moises Caicedo
Reece James is dealing with another hamstring injury, having not featured since the Hull draw. Thomas Tuchel confirmed the injury was behind his exclusion from the England squad, saying: "He had a little injury in his hamstring. He tried, we waited until this morning but he couldn't make it."
Moises Caicedo has been limited to just 14 minutes of football this season due to a calf injury. He returned briefly against Brighton but was forced off again, and Xabi Alonso later apologised for rushing him back. After rest during the break, he should be back in contention next month.
Potential return date for both: October 10 vs Bournemouth (H).
Penders, Gittens and summer signings
Mike Penders sustained a quad injury in training while with Belgium, but has remained with the squad for treatment, suggesting it is not serious. Jamie Gittens picked up an ankle injury playing for England U21s against Kazakhstan and was seen leaving the stadium on crutches and in a protective boot.
Summer signings Marco Palestra and Emmanuel Emegha are still awaiting their Chelsea debuts after injuries. Both were close to returning before the Brentford match but did not feature, and are hoped to be available when Bournemouth visit Stamford Bridge.
