Chelsea injury update: Noni Madueke, Levi Colwill and Reece James latest news and return dates

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Evening Standard

·7 October 2024

Chelsea injury update: Noni Madueke, Levi Colwill and Reece James latest news and return dates

Blues waiting for updates on England duo

Enzo Maresca will hope Chelsea’s double injury scare against Nottingham Forest does not prove to be serious.

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The Blues boss was approaching the luxury of having a full-strength squad to choose from ahead of the 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge, with Reece James the only player unavailable.

But Maresca now has a few more concerns to think about heading into the international break, after Noni Madueke and Levi Colwill were forced off.

Noni Madueke

Madueke scored Chelsea’s goal against Forest but hobbled off late on in the contest.

The 22-year-old is due to join up with the England squad in the coming days ahead of the National League games with Greece and Finland.

And Maresca was hopeful when asked about Madueke and Colwill after the Forest draw.

“I think they are both ok when they went inside [to the changing room],” he said. “We will see but I don't think there is any problem there.”

Potential return date: Sunday 20 October vs Liverpool

Levi Colwill

Colwill followed Madueke off during Chelsea’s draw with Forest after playing much of the second half in discomfort.

The defender is also set to link up with Lee Carsley’s England squad, assuming the issue is not a serious one.

Potential return date: Sunday 20 October vs Liverpool

Levi Colwill was forced off against Nottingham Forest

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Carney Chukwuemeka

Chukwuemeka has only made one appearance for the Blues so far this season and missed the last few matches through illness.

“Carney was in the squad [for Gent] but didn't feel well during the night,” Maresca said last week. “He was ill; this is why he wasn't in the squad [when the team sheets came out].”

Potential return date: Sunday 20 October vs Liverpool

Reece James

Club captain James is still yet to feature under Maresca for Chelsea this season after suffering another hamstring injury on the club’s pre-season tour of the USA.

James last played for the Blues competitively in May but suggested he was close to returning in a Instagram post last week.

The right-back posted pictures with the caption: “Long story short I’m doing well. Hope to see you soon.”

Before Chelsea’s 4-2 win over Brighton last month Maresca said: “The only one [missing] is Reece. He is still out, and there is no real update on him at the moment.”

Previously he said: “His injury is a bit delayed, and the most important thing for him - for any injury - is the player comes back when they are 100 per cent fit.”

Potential return date: Unknown