Chelsea get their Premier League campaign underway with a meeting against Manchester City on Sunday afternoon.
Enzo Maresca will start a busy two weeks of competitive fixtures versus one of his former teams, where he helped nurture their academy talent before taking on the reins at Leicester City in 2023.
The likes of Marc Cucurella and Cole Palmer, two players who represented their respective nations in the Euro 2024 final, were able to return for the final pre-season fixture against Inter Milan on Sunday.
Whether that will be enough to earn a starting spot on Sunday remains to be seen, but Maresca must do without one of his senior players for the clash at Stamford Bridge.
Here, Sports Mole rounds up Chelsea's injury and suspension news ahead of their showdown with last season's champions.
© Reuters
Status: Out
Type of injury: Hamstring
Possible return date: September 14 (vs. Bournemouth)
Having played an active part in pre-season, Reece James would have hoped to have remained fit. However, after sustaining what has been reported to be a minor hamstring injury, the right-back may not return until after the September international break.
CHELSEA'S SUSPENSION LIST
Reece James
© Reuters
Amount of games: Three
Possible return date: September 14 (vs. Bournemouth)
James would not have been able to participate on Sunday, regardless, courtesy of his sending off against Brighton & Hove Albion in the penultimate game of last season. With one match having been missed, he will now sit out the next three Premier League fixtures.
Darren Plant
