James, Silva, Badiashile - Latest Chelsea injury news and return dates for Liverpool final

Chelsea and Liverpool could be without up to 20 players combined when the two sides meet up in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley on Sunday. Both sides have been hit with a spate of injuries that has been exacerbated in recent weeks, threatening to derail their hopes of winning the first domestic trophy up for grabs this season.

Mauricio Pochettino has been working without a large portion of his squad for most of the season regardless. He will be without three of his strongest defenders for the game as well two midfield summer signings.

The Blues have been able to cope without these bodies in recent weeks as they strung together three consecutive away performances to boost confidence ahead of the game. Less than one month ago they were in a patch of form that had brought Pochettino's very position as manager into question.

Although the fitness situation isn't likely to improve drastically in the coming days, football.london has the latest updates from the Blues treatment room.

Thiago Silva

Injury: Groin.

The Brazilian went to the ground and was withdrawn from the game against Crystal Palace after he appeared to have discomfort in his groin. Pochettino ruled him out for the trip to City and the injury is now threatening to rule him out of what is likely a last chance at Wembley success with Chelsea.

Silva has lost all three of his trips to the stadium for Chelsea. There is a chance he will be passed fit to be on the bench.

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What Pochettino has said: "Yes, minor injury but he is out for tomorrow [vs City]. He is not available, after this, we need to assess game by game."

Expected return date: Unknown.

Reece James

Injury: Thigh.

Shortly after returning from injury in November, he suffered another hamstring injury in the match against Everton last month. James posted an update on social media that showed him lacing up his boots.

James has since been out to Doha, Qatar, to step up his recovery. It is said that the trip was always part of his planned rehabilitation. He is hopeful of being back in contention to make the England squad for Euro 2024, according to reports.

What Pochettino has said: "I think he feels well. We were talking and he has started his recovery, he is one day closer to being with the group. This is really positive, we are all positive around him, we are going to help, involved in this way.

"It is always tough for a player with a very complicated, difficult season for him. Now is the process to start to recover. One day less until he is part of the group and we are going to take it in a positive way because the most important thing is to start to solve the problem and of course, help him to be strong, being positive."

Expected return date: March/April.

Carney Chukwuemeka

Injury: Ankle.

Despite having only just returned from injury, Chukwuemeka is back on the list after suffering a training injury. He is a current doubt for the final.

What Pochettino has said : "Carney Chukwuemeka suffered a twisted ankle and he is out."

Expected return date: Unknown.

Robert Sanchez

Injury: Knee.

Sanchez suffered a knee injury in the defeat to Manchester United in December. He has been working towards a return and was expected to be back in the squad at the Etihad Stadium but wasn't included. He has been training with his teammates in preparation for the game.

What Pochettino has said: "Robert Sanchez is available. It is good news. Yes, it is always good to recover a player and he was playing a lot. To be available again is a good thing for the team."

Expected return date: Liverpool (Wembley) - Sunday, February 25.

Benoit Badiashile

Injury: Groin.

He started the FA Cup tie against Aston Villa but had to be replaced with ten minutes left. Badiashile is expected to miss around four weeks with injury, football.london understands.

What Pochettino has said: "Badiashile, we need to assess him. We still need to wait for the scan. I hope it's not a big issue. We need to assess now and after we will know better, his situation."

Expected return date: March 2024.

Romeo Lavia

Injury: Thigh.

Lavia has only played half an hour for Chelsea after picking up an injury shortly after arriving at the club. He made his sole appearance against Palace but has been dealt a major setback since and is set for a period on the sidelines. On Friday, Lavia was captured in what looked to be full first team training at Cobham suggesting he may actually be close to a return.

What Pochettino has said: "He is not training with the team. He is still recovering. But no, no, impossible [to be back before the League Cup final]. Still not on the pitch."

What Lavia has said: "Received a lot of support messages and I wanted to let you know that it means a lot to me. I’m gutted not to be able to help the team, but I’m fully focused on coming back. The wait will be worth it."

Expected return date: Unknown.

Lesley Ugochukwu

Injury: Thigh.

He has been absent for Chelsea since the 2-1 defeat to Wolves on Christmas Eve. He is currently following a rehabilitation programme for a hamstring injury.

What Pochettino has said: "Lesley felt something last week, it’s a minor injury. We hope that soon he will be available to train and available for the team."

Expected return date: Unknown.

Marc Cucurella

Injury: Ankle/foot.

Cucurella hasn't featured for the Blues since December after picking up an ankle injury. The 25-year-old full-back underwent surgery on his ankle in December but has recently returned to the grass at Chelsea's training ground, football.london understands.

What Pochettino has said: "Marc twisted his ankle. We hope that these issues are not big."

Expected return date: March.

Wesley Fofana

Injury: ACL.

The France international is set to miss most of the season after rupturing his ACL in pre-season training.

What Pochettino has said: "Fofana maybe needs more time."

Expected return date: April.