Chelsea's 2023/24 campaign was a tale of inconsistency, disappointment and injuries. The beginning of the Enzo Maresca era has offered some much-needed respite.
After a shaky beginning, Chelsea have found their feet since the end of the September international break. The Blues are far from the finished article but there have been encouraging signs at Stamford Bridge following several years of disillusionment.
Significant to their ascent under Maresca has been their lack of injury concerns in the opening weeks of the campaign. Chelsea's absentee list often hit double digits last year but they have been able to keep their star players fit in 2024/25 so far.
Here is the latest Chelsea injury news following the October international break.
Reece James' career has been fraught with injuries and this season has proved no different. The right-back has missed the entirety of the campaign after suffering a hamstring injury in early August while serving a suspension carried over from last term.
However, James is closing in on a much-anticipated return to the squad, where he will compete with Malo Gusto for a starting spot on the right-hand side of defence. Chelsea will be careful with his comeback but he could be available against Liverpool this weekend.
If he does sit out once again this weekend, he will join his fellow defenders Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana on the sidelines as both serve one-game suspensions after accumulating five yellow cards.
Omari Kellyman arrived at Chelsea from Aston Villa over the summer but has spent much of his time at Stamford Bridge either playing for the Under-21s or in the treatment room.
He's currently out of action with a hamstring problem and is likely to be sidelined until November at the very earliest as he continues his recovery.
Carney Chukwuemeka has been another to fall to the injury curse in west London and he has made just one appearance this season for Chelsea. That came in the 5-0 Carabao Cup victory over Barrow, although he only managed 14 minutes.
Chukwuemeka missed Chelsea's final two clashes before the international break through illness but will be available against Liverpool. Whether he makes the squad is a different question.