Reece James has been ramping up his participation in training, but is not expected to return just yet. Others, like Wesley Fofana and Benoît Badiashile are not close. Roméo Lavia, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, and Carney Chukwuemeka are all questionable with various knocks and illnesses.

Chelsea have now gone two consecutive Premier League games without a win for the first time since October, when they were held to a 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest before falling to a 2-1 defeat

Chelsea travel to Ipswich Town in their next Premier League outing as the Blues look to respond to being beaten at home to west London neighbours Fulham on Boxing Day