Levi Colwill is among several Chelsea players sidelined for the upcoming crucial fixtures, as the Blues grapple with injuries and suspensions. The defender did not feature in the recent 2-1 defeat to Arsenal and is ruled out for the trip to Aston Villa on Wednesday.
Head coach Liam Rosenior confirmed Colwill remains unavailable, adding to a lengthy injury list that includes Estevao, Marc Cucurella, Jamie Gittens and Dario Essugo. Cole Palmer, however, is fit after a knock against Arsenal, while Wesley Fofana returns from suspension.
Cucurella is making good progress from a hamstring injury and could return against Aston Villa or in the FA Cup tie with Wrexham. Estevao is back running after a hamstring issue, though no exact return date is given. Gittens is a longer-term absentee with a hamstring tear.
Captain Reece James completed 90 minutes at the Emirates, while Romeo Lavia made his first appearance since November. Chelsea remain sixth in the Premier League, six points off the top four, with a busy March schedule ahead.
