Nkunku, Lavia, James - Latest Chelsea injury news and return dates for Newcastle

It is judgement day for Reece James after Mauricio Pochettino revealed on Friday that the Chelsea captain would find out on Monday if he needed surgery following his latest injury setback. The 24-year-old is set to miss at least two months after being taken off just 30 minutes into the defeat at Everton last week.

«No [surgery has not been ruled out],» Pochettino explained. «Monday we will know. Monday we will know more about how we will proceed, about whether it is necessary or not.»

James is just one of multiple absentees right now for the 51-year-old though with Marc Cucurella the latest to join the injury list. However, with a Carabao Cup quarter-final against Newcastle to come on Tuesday there is at least some positivity with Christopher Nkunku even closer to making his debut.

The Frenchman was an unused substitute in the 2-0 win over Sheffield United on Saturday and may well feature at Stamford Bridge this week. Here, football.london has the rest from the Blues treatment room.

The left-back provided an update on his injury via social media last night, with two photos showing off the cast on his left ankle as well as the star now walking on crutches as he recovers from the ankle injury he suffered earlier this week in training.

What Cucurella said: «Time to come back stronger!»

Possible return date: Unknown

After returning to full fitness last month, James' injury problems continued at Everton. He was replaced by Levi Colwill before heading straight down the tunnel at Goodison Park after less than 35 minutes.

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Cucurella, James, Lavia — Latest Chelsea injury news and return dates for Newcastle United

football.london understands the