James, Colwill, Madueke - Chelsea injury news latest and return dates ahead of Liverpool clash

Premier League football returns this week as prepares his side for what could be one of their biggest tests of the season. take on Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday with Arne Slot’s team currently leading the way in the table.

Chelsea have had a positive start to the season and sit in fourth position, having picked up 14 points from their opening seven games. The Blues are unbeaten in the league since the opening-day defeat against Man City.

, despite Nottingham Forest being down to 10 men for the final 12 minutes of the game. The Blues couldn’t find a way past a stubborn Forest defence to take all three points.

Ahead of the match against Liverpool, Chelsea have been handed an injury boost with captain taking a big step in his recovery from a hamstring injury that has kept him out since the start of the season. The Blues, however, will be without two key players through suspension.

Here is the latest on the fitness and availability of the Chelsea squad for the trip to Anfield.

Reece James

Injury: Hamstring

The club have now confirmed that the full-back is now back in training ahead of the game against Liverpool. The Premier League clash could though come too soon for him.

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What has been said: ”Unfortunately, we don't have an idea [when James will be back] at the moment. In this case, he has been very unlucky because we planned to change him after something like 65 minutes [vs Real Madrid], and he got an injury after 62 or 63 minutes. So, it was a bit unlucky. Hopefully, we can have him back fit as soon as possible.” (September 20).

Potential return date: Vs Newcastle (H) (Sunday, 27 October).

Carney Chukwuemeka

Reason for absence: Illness.

What has been said: “Carney was in the squad [vs Gent] but didn't feel well during the night. He was ill; this is why he wasn't in the squad.”

Potential return date: Vs Liverpool (A) (Sunday, 20 October).

Levi Colwill

Injury: Unknown

Colwill was a slight injury concern after being substituted in the second half against Nottingham Forest. In a boost to Chelsea, the defender played the full 90 minutes of England’s Nations League clash against Greece on Thursday before being an unused substitute vs Finland.

What has been said: “I think they are both [Colwill and Madueke] OK when they went inside [to the changing room]. We will see, but I don't think there is any problem there.”

Potential return date: Vs Liverpool (A) (Sunday, 20 October).

Noni Madueke

Injury: Unknown

Like Colwill, there was some concern over Madueke after he was taken off in the second half against Forest. He did, however, also join up with the England squad over the international break and made substitute appearances against both Greece and Finland.

What has been said: “I think they are both [Colwill and Madueke] OK when they went inside [to the changing room]. We will see, but I don't think there is any problem there.”

Potential return date: Vs Liverpool (A) (Sunday, 20 October).

Marc Cucurella

Reason for absence: Suspension.

Cucurella picked up his fifth booking of the season against Nottingham Forest. He will therefore serve a one-match suspension.

Expected return date: Vs Panathinaikos (A) (Thursday, 24 October).

Wesley Fofana

Reason for absence: Suspension

Like Cucurella, Fofana also picked up his fifth caution of the campaign vs Forest. He will also serve a one-match ban.

Expected return date: Vs Panathinaikos (A) (Thursday, 24 October).