Reece James, Hakim Ziyech, Cesar Azpilicueta: Latest Chelsea injury news ahead of Norwich


Chelsea have no time to rest on their laurels with a tight turnaround now to an away trip to East Anglia on Thursday night in the Premier League to face Norwich City.

Thomas Tuchel’s troops come into this latest Premier League fixture comfortably in third after their victory at the weekend in Lancashire against Burnley meant they were able to solidify their top four spot.

Five days later and the grind doesn’t stop for the Blues who look to rack up their positive momentum with completing the double over Norwich City on Thursday.

This fixture has been moved forward to this week due to the fact that Chelsea are involved in various other competitions that has altered their fixture calendar.

With Lille upcoming next week in the Champions League, their may be scope for some rotation but Tuchel will certainly be demanding a similar performance and result nonetheless from the team who had hit the same opponents for seven earlier this season.

football.london takes a look into all the latest injury news ahead of this fixture on Thursday night which unfortunately will not be televised in the UK.

Reece James

Tuchel has revealed that Reece James has suffered another injury setback, following his first start for the Blues in two months against Burnley last Saturday.

The England international was substituted against the Clarets with 20 minutes remaining and, according to the German coach, was unable to take part in Wednesday’s training session ahead of tomorrow’s game against Norwich.

What Tuchel had said: “Not his (Reece James) injured leg but the other leg. It needs examination. We thought maybe he could be on the pitch today but he couldn’t.

“He felt it during the match, that’s why we took him out and it didn’t get better so we are worried. Still we need more details and some more information so today will be further examinations. It was obvious what he gives to our team and what he can give to our team so not good news. A setback for sure, I hope not a big one.”

Expected return date: N/A



LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 23: Thomas Tuchel manager of Chelsea with Reece James after during the UEFA Champions League group H match between Chelsea FC and Juventus at Stamford Bridge on November 23, 2021 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Thomas Tuchel with Reece James after during the UEFA Champions League group H match between Chelsea FC and Juventus

Marcos Alonso

The Spaniard missed out on the trip to Burnley on the weekend due to contracting Covid-19 in the days prior to this fixture.

Alonso was also absent for the FA Cup trip last week to Luton Town as Kenedy filled in on this occasion.

However, with the former Bolton man back in training, it seems as though he could be in the travelling cohort who will take the field this midweek in East Anglia as he looks to follow on from his latest masterclass in the Carabao Cup final against Mohamed Salah and Liverpool.



LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 22: Marcos Alonso of Chelsea FC looks on during the UEFA Champions League Round Of Sixteen Leg One match between Chelsea FC and Lille OSC at Stamford Bridge on February 22, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Marcos Alonso of Chelsea could return for the clash vs Burnley

What Tuchel had said:Marcos is still ill. He has quite a lot of Covid symptoms so he’s absolutely not able to do training or a game.”

Expected return date: Norwich (A) – Thursday, March 10.

Cesar Azpilicueta

Azpilicueta was forced off during the Carabao Cup final with Liverpool but could be on schedule to return this Thursday against the Canaries after resting against Burnley.

The Spaniard, just like Alonso, trained on Monday afternoon, therefore hinting his potential availability already for this encounter.

What Tuchel had said: “Azpi (Cesar Azpilicueta) was not in training yesterday so this will be a bit too close unfortunately for him.”

Expected return date: Norwich (A) – Thursday, March 10.

Hakim Ziyech

The Moroccan was in excellent form heading into the Carabao Cup final but has been forced to miss both games after picking up an injury against Lille.

Ziyech was back in training ahead of Burnley but Tuchel’s risk not to field him meant that he was given some much needed rest as Kai Havertz, Reece James and Christian Pulisic stepped up well in his absence.

With Newcastle and Lille just around the corner, the German could again opt against fielding his star creator in this midweek fixture with the view of incorporating him back into the fold for the two upcoming aforementioned fixtures.

Regardless of the decision made, Chelsea’s number 22 was involved as expected with Alonso and Azpilicueta in early week training in what is a big week for the west Londoners.

What Tuchel had said: “Hakim (Ziyech) was in training, seemed good so hopefully he can come back.”

Expected return date: Norwich (A) – Thursday, March 10.





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