Chelsea are still being forced to deal with several injury concerns as the busy fixture list continues.
The Blues moved to two points behind leaders Liverpool in the Premier League table with the victory over Brentford on Sunday evening, although the Merseyside club do have a game in hand.
Enzo Maresca's side have now won their last five matches across all competitions and are four points ahead of third-placed Arsenal and seven ahead of Manchester City who are fifth after their dramatic defeat to Manchester United at the weekend.
This week will see Chelsea have two more fixtures with a game in both the Europa Conference League and the Premier League. The Blues host Shamrock Rovers at Stamford Bridge on Thursday night in Europe before travelling to face Everton in the top flight at the weekend.
Despite the impressive run of form, Chelsea are continuing to deal with several players on the sidelines through injury or fitness concerns.
Here, football.london takes a look at the players that have been unavailable for Chelsea in recent games and their potential return dates.
Marc Cucurella
Reason for absence: Suspension
Cucurella picked up a second yellow card in the closing stages of Chelsea's win over Brentford.
As a result, the left-back will serve his second suspension of the season with an absence against Everton in the Premier League at the weekend. However, Cucurella will still be available for the Europa Conference League later this week.
Potential return date: Shamrock Rovers (H) - December 19
Wesley Fofana
Reason for absence: Hamstring injury
Wesley Fofana suffered a hamstring injury earlier this month and is expected to be on the sidelines for several weeks.
The centre-back may not return until after the Christmas period, meaning it could be 2025 when Chelsea will be able to call on Fofana once again.
Potential return date: Late December or January
Romeo Lavia
Reason for absence: Knock
Romeo Lavia was absent from the matchday squad for Chelsea's win over Brentford, and has now been unavailable for the last two games.
Maresca confirmed on Sunday that he hopes to have Lavia available once again when they face Everton next weekend.
Potential return date: Everton (A) - December 22
Joao Felix
Reason for absence: Knock
Joao Felix has missed Chelsea's last two games with a knock but is moving closer to a return.
Maresca also confirmed that the club hope to have the forward return to the matchday squad for the trip to Goodison Park this Sunday.
Potential return date: Everton (A) - December 22
Reece James
Reason for absence: Hamstring injury
Reece James suffered a hamstring injury last month, just weeks after making his long-awaited return from a fitness issue.
James is not expected to be available for the next few weeks, although the club have not specified a timeframe for a return to action for the Chelsea captain.
Potential return date: Unknown
Pedro Neto
Reason for absence: Suspension
Pedro Neto missed the win over Brentford through suspension after picking up five yellow cards this season.
Neto will be available to face Shamrock Rovers on Thursday, and will also be in contention to return to Premier League action at the weekend against Everton.
Potential return date: Shamrock Rovers (H) - December 19
Mykhailo Mudryk
Reason for absence: Illness
Mykhailo Mudryk has missed Chelsea's last five matches through illness, having last featured against Heidenheim last month.
It remains uncertain when the Ukraine international will return to Maresca's matchday squad.
Potential return date: Unknown
Benoit Badiashile
Reason for absence: Unknown fitness issue
Benoit Badiashile suffered an unspecified injury in training in the days leading up to Chelsea's win over Brentford.
No timeframe has been given for when the Blues can expect the centre-back to return to training and the matchday squad.
Potential return date: Unknown
Carney Chukwuemeka
Reason for absence: Illness
Carney Chukwuemeka missed Chelsea's win over Brentford through illness, having previously started the victory away at Astana last week.
It remains to be seen when the midfielder will be fit to return to the matchday squad for the Blues.
Potential return date: Unknown
Ben Chilwell
Reason for absence: Illness
Ben Chilwell was not available to face Brentford in the Premier League due to illness, as he waits to make his first top-flight appearance of the season.
Chilwell is not in the squad to feature against Shamrock Rovers in the Europa League, and it remains unclear when the left-back will be available to be in contention to feature once again.
Potential return date: Unknown
Omari Kellyman
Reason for absence: Hamstring injury
Omari Kellyman has yet to make his first competitive senior appearance for Chelsea since signing from Aston Villa last summer.
A hamstring injury has kept the midfielder on the sidelines for the last three months, and the club will hope that a return to action is not too far away.
Potential return date: Unknown
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