Chelsea could be without as many as 11 players for Thursday's Premier League encounter against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues' packed treatment room includes Wesley Fofana (knee), Romeo Lavia (thigh), Christopher Nkunku, Reece James, Lesley Ugochukwu (all hamstring), Levi Colwill (toe) and Carney Chukwuemeka (knock), with a number of those facing a race against time to recover before the season comes to a close.
Malo Gusto was withdrawn in the closing stages of Chelsea's 2-2 draw with Burnley last weekend with an apparent hamstring injury, but Mauricio Pochettino has revealed that the right-back, as well as Trevoh Chalobah and Robert Sanchez - who both recently underwent rehabilitation programmes - have all trained this week and could feature on Thursday.
However, Ben Chilwell is yet to return to training as he continues to recover from a knee problem that has kept his out of the last two games, and he is unlikely to play against Man United, so Marc Cucurella is set to retain his place at left-back.
If Gusto is not deemed fit to start, Axel Disasi could move over to right-back, which would likely see Thiago Silva recalled in central defence to partner Benoit Badiashile.
A midfield triumvirate of Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Conor Gallagher is set to remain intact, while in-form attacker Cole Palmer – formerly of Manchester City – is expected to start again on the right as he looks to add to his impressive 18 goals scored in all competitions so far this season.
Mykhaylo Mudryk was given the nod to start and play the full 90 minutes on the left flank against Burnley, and the Ukrainian could keep his place in the first XI, although he faces competition from both Raheem Sterling and Noni Madueke, while Nicolas Jackson is poised to start as the central striker.
Chelsea possible starting lineup: Petrovic; Disasi, Silva, Badiashile, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Palmer, Gallagher, Sterling; Jackson
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Oliver Thomas
