Mauricio Pochettino could be without several big names against Arsenal, so the Chelsea boss may be left no choice but to reshuffle the pack. The Blues will welcome Mikel Arteta's side to Stamford Bridge this afternoon as either side hopes to climb the Premier League table.

Chelsea claimed their third successive victory across all competitions just before the international break with a 4-1 win over Burnley. Meanwhile, Arsenal stormed past Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium to keep their unbeaten start to the English top-flight intact.

While the likes of Reece James and Benoit Badiashile are expected to return, the west Londoners could still be without some key players. So, with that being said, football.london has taken a look at the latest news from the Blues' treatment room.

Reece James

James returned to first-team training this week. The 23-year-old defender has progressed well with his rehabilitation programme but the Blues are yet to make a final decision, football.london has learnt.

What Pochettino said: "We need to Assess Axel Disasi, Assess Nico Jackson, we need to assess also Reece. Broja is out because rotation problem in his knee but it is another knee, not the one that was the problem from the past. We have a few players that we need to assess to see if they're available, if they can play, if they're on the bench or if they're off the list completely."

Pochettino added: "He was training well the last few days. I think it's now to talk with the medical staff and to decide if he can be part of the squad tomorrow."

Possible return date: Arsenal (H) - Saturday, October 21

Romeo Lavia

According to MailOnline, Lavia is expected to remain out of action until late November despite having taken promising steps towards a full recovery. The report states that the Belgian was able to take off his protective boot last week and he's since begun his rehabilitation programme at Cobham training ground.

MailOnline adds that a return in November is viewed as 'optimistic'. It's believed that the west Londoners are cautious of rushing him back ahead of schedule, meaning that Lavia may not return until early December.

What Pochettino said: "I cannot tell you [when he will be back] but he is still not running. After the international break he will not be back."

Possible return date: Late November to early December

Cole Palmer

Cole Palmer picked up a knock during the first half of the England Under-21s' 9-1 win over Serbia last week. The former Manchester City ace received some medical treatment at half-time, but he was replaced by Tino Livramento just moments into the second half.

It was later revealed that Palmer suffered a dead leg. Following the Three Lions' comprehensive win at the City Ground, Lee Carsley confirmed that the Chelsea midfielder will return to Cobham to continue his recovery.

What Carsley said: "I think Cole would be fine, but we don’t take any chances with any of the players. If there is a slight doubt that they’re going to miss a game at the weekend, we get them back to the clubs as quickly as we can.

"We could’ve kept Cole here another day and see how it was, but we didn’t think it was right. Everyone else is fine, a few colds and sniffles."

Possible return date: Arsenal (H) - October 21

Armando Broja

After just two days with the Albania squad, Sylvinho confirmed that Broja returned to Cobham early over the international. On the Chelsea striker, the Albania manager said: "What happened to Broja is very simple, it arose from a serious injury, he had been out for nine months."

Broja has been seen in Chelsea training since, so any issues appear to have passed.

What Pochettino said: "We need to assess Axel Disasi, assess Nico Jackson, we need to assess also Reece. Broja is out because rotation problem in his knee but it is another knee, not the one that was the problem from the past. We have a few players that we need to assess to see if they're available, if they can play, if they're on the bench or if they're off the list completely."

Possible return date: Arsenal (H) - October 21

Nicolas Jackson

Jackson has been seen training with the team ahead of the game against Arsenal. He did undergo a minor operation on his wrist during the international break, but he seems fine.

What Pochettino said: "We need to assess Axel Disasi, assess Nico Jackson, we need to assess also Reece. Broja is out because rotation problem in his knee but it is another knee, not the one that was the problem from the past. We have a few players that we need to assess to see if they're available, if they can play, if they're on the bench or if they're off the list completely."

Possible return date: Arsenal (H) - Saturday, October 21

Axel Disasi

Disasi featured in Chelsea's 4-1 win over Burnley before the international break. Unfortunately, the defender suffered a quadricep injury during the match and was ruled out of France's matches against Netherlands and Scotland.

Disasi, like others, have been in training all week, pictured in drills alongside his teammates.

What Pochettino said: "We need to assess Axel Disasi, assess Nico Jackson, we need to assess also Reece. Broja is out because rotation problem in his knee but it is another knee, not the one that was the problem from the past. We have a few players that we need to assess to see if they're available, if they can play, if they're on the bench or if they're off the list completely."

Possible return date: Arsenal (H) - Saturday, October 21

Benoit Badiashile

Another who is yet to play for Chelsea this season, Badiashile has been sorely missed in the opening handful of games. The defender has recently returned to training and Pochettino expects him to feature in the match-day squad against Arsenal.

What Pochettino said: "Benoit can maybe be available also."

Possible return date: Arsenal (H) - Saturday, October 21

Trevoh Chalobah

Chelsea issued an official statement confirming that Chalobah picked up a knock ahead of the clash against Arsenal. The defender has been nursing a thigh injury this season.

Possible return date: Unknown

Carney Chukwuemeka

Earlier this week, Chelsea issued an official statement confirming that Carney Chukwuemeka had also picked up a knock ahead of the meeting with Arsenal. The teenager has struggled with a knee problem despite only recently returning to full first-team training at Cobham.

Possible return date: Unknown

Ben Chilwell

Pochettino previously admitted that he is unsure when Chilwell will return to action. football.london understands it is now likely to be around two months before he is seen again.

What Pochettino said: "It is difficult. I am no doctor and I cannot tell you what you are asking me. I think it is about judging day by day and we cannot say the period he will be out."

Possible return date: December

Christopher Nkunku

Nkunku is still yet to play a competitive game for Chelsea following his transfer from RB Leipzig in the summer. The 25-year-old was dealt a major blow to his knee during a pre-season friendly against Borussia Dortmund.

Taking to Instagram to show off his hard work, he recenlty posted two black and white filtered pictures of himself in the gym. Last month, Nkunku posted a similar selection of images to his account showing him in the swimming pool and undergoing a medical test on his knee.

Wesley Fofana

Fofana is set to miss most of the season after rupturing his ACL.

Possible return date: April 2024