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), Carney Chukwuemeka (knock), Robert Sanchez and Trevoh Chalobah (both unspecified), 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Malo Gusto was withdrawn in the closing stages of Chelsea's 2-2 draw with Burnley last weekend with a hamstring injury, while Ben Chilwell missed out entirely due to a knee problem, and both full-backs have emerged as doubts for the visit of Man United.
The potential absence of Gusto could see Axel Disasi move over to right-back and Thiago Silva recalled in central defence to partner Benoit Badiashile, while Marc Cucurella could keep his spot at left-back if Chilwell is not deemed fit to feature.
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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