Frank Lampard begins his reign as Chelsea manager with a trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United on the opening weekend of the Premier League season.
The Blues have not won a league game at Old Trafford since a 2-1 win during a triumphant 2009-10 campaign under Carlo Ancelotti.
Chelsea enjoyed an unbeaten pre-season, claiming notable wins over Barcelona and Red Bull Salzburg in recent weeks.
Here, Sports Mole rounds up their latest injury and suspension news ahead of the clash with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side.
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Status: Ruled out
Type of injury: Achilles
Possible return date: November 2 (vs. Watford)
Loftus-Cheek became a regular starter under Maurizio Sarri towards the end of last season but ruptured his Achilles tendon during a friendly ahead of the Europa League final, prompting fears that he could be out for a year. However, it was confirmed that a full recovery would take the Englishman around five months.
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Status: Slight doubt
Type of injury: Knee
Possible return date: August 11 (vs. Manchester United)
Kante is crucial to the Chelsea lineup and passed a late fitness test to star in the Europa League final, but his injury problems have persisted throughout the summer. The Frenchman was sent home from Chelsea's pre-season tour of Japan but did feature against Borussia Monchengladbach over the weekend. Frank Lampard has emphasised the importance of not rushing the midfielder back to action.
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Status: Out
Type of injury: Knee
Possible return date: September 14 (vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers)
Rudiger's last appearance in a blue shirt came against United at Old Trafford back in April, when he was forced off with a meniscus injury. The defender has since had surgery and is expected to complete a return to action after the September international break.
Willian
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Status: Doubt
Type of injury: Hamstring
Possible return date: August 11 (vs. Manchester United)
The Brazilian picked up a hamstring injury during the Copa America but has returned to training this week. It remains unclear if Lampard is willing to risk him ahead of younger players like Christian Pulisic or Mason Mount.
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Status: Out
Type of injury: Achilles
Possible return date: August 31 (vs. Sheffield United)
Just like teammate Loftus-Cheek, the Chelsea youngster picked up a ruptured Achilles tendon against Burnley towards the end of last season. The forward is yet to train with the Chelsea squad but has been doing light ball work and running on his own at Cobham over the summer.
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Status: Out
Type of injury: Ankle
Possible return date: Unknown
James has been touted by Lampard as a youngster he wants to promote to the first team this season, but the 19-year-old will have to wait for his chance after damaging ankle ligaments over the summer. The injury required surgery and is expected to keep him out of action until the end of August.
CHELSEA'S SUSPENSION LIST
Chelsea have no players suspended for this game.
No Data Analysis info
