Latest Chelsea injury news after Nottingham Forest with Levi Colwill fear and Nkunku hope

Chelsea continue to struggle with injuries as Mauricio Pochettino enters his first international break in charge of the club. The Blues are left in 12th once more in the Premier League having lost two of their opening four games.

Their inconsistency and early season struggles were compounded against Nottingham Forest in a 1-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge on Saturday as Ben Chilwell was yet again asked to play in an unorthodox and unnatural left-wing role. In the absence of Christopher Nkunku, who may well hold the key to unlocking the attack, Chelsea have found it tough to convert chances and break down defensive blocks.

The bad news is that he remains months away from a return having injured his knee in pre-season. The 25-year-old is one of four first team stars that would normally be in contention to start most games that are yet to feature under the Argentine.

Armando Broja is edging closer to a return and could be set for gametime after the international break. «We need to wait also,» Pochettino said on August 24 when asked about the striker. «He's close but sometimes you are close but the last step is difficult after the injury he suffered. He has trained well, we have hope also.

»That is why we are assessing the squad and all of the things that happen. It is easy to say we need another offensive players, but I think we have offensive players and they need to recover.

«If you bring in a player that is not fit or needs to adapt to the Premier League, maybe you are going to spend the same time you wait for Broja, or Nkunku or Carney. Then you are going to create a mess in the squad. That is why we are working really hard to analyse the situation.»

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