Chelsea saw their eight-game winning streak come to an end on Sunday afternoon courtesy of a 0-0 draw away at Everton. The Blues had won their last five Premier League games and scored 16 goals before the Premier League clash on Merseyside which saw them draw a blank for only the third time this season.
Nicolas Jackson had three golden opportunities but was unable to add to his nine goals for the season so far. Christopher Nkunku, who came on for the final 15 minutes, was among those on the bench after recently missing some action with a minor injury with Joao Felix, who had been dealt a similar blow, remaining an unused substitute.
While that attacking duo were back available, Enzo Maresca had a number of key players absent for a variety of reasons. Injuries are currently keeping Romeo Lavia, Wesley Fofana and Reece James out of the squad, though the latter has recently returned to training.
Marc Cucurella was suspended for the clash after being sent off the previous weekend against Brentford while Mykhailo Mudryk is unavailable after failing a drugs test. With all of that being said, football.london has taken a look at all the unavailable Chelsea stars and their potential return dates.
Wesley Fofana
Injury: Hamstring.
Fofana has not featured for Chelsea since the 3-0 win over Aston Villa in early December. Initially, he looked set for a short absence but Maresca has since confirmed that is not the case
What Maresca has said: "Both [Fofana and Badiashile] are still out and will still be out for a long period."
Possible return date: Unknown.
Romeo Lavia
Injury: Hamstring.
Lavia has been plagued by injuries during his Chelsea career and has not been able to play since coming off at half time against Tottenham a few weeks ago.
What Maresca has said: "Romeo will probably struggle to play on Sunday. But we will see tomorrow."
Possible return date: Fulham (H) - Thursday, December 26.
Reece James
Injury: Hamstring.
James has taken a significant step towards returning from his latest injury but the Blues are unsurprisingly expected to take extreme caution when it comes to managing his comeback.
What Maresca has said: "He will start with us for part of the session. So slowly, slowly, he is moving forward. That doesn’t mean he will be with us on Sunday or next Sunday. Tomorrow, part of the session will be with him managed then it’s building the right condition for him.'
Possible return date: Late January.
Mykhailo Mudryk
Injury: N/A.
On Tuesday, December 17 both Chelsea and Mudryk put out a statement confirming there had been an "adverse finding in a routine urine test". The club have urged they are fully behind the player while Mudryk is currently working on appealing the failed drugs test.
What Maresca has said: "I think the situation is now a bit more clear in terms of we have a statement from the club and the club already said what we need to say. So there is not anything to add except that the club, the coaching staff and all the people that are inside the training ground we support and we trust Misha."
Possible return date: Unknown.
Benoit Badiashile
Injury: Unknown.
Benoit Badiashile picked up an injury in training earlier this month which looks set to keep him out for a while.
What Maresca has said: "Both [Fofana and Badiashile] are still out and will still be out for a long period."
Possible return date: Unknown.
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Chelsea flag prior the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg One match between Chelsea FC and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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