Gusto, Palmer, Nkunku - Chelsea injury news and return dates ahead of Arsenal clash

Chelsea will have to put their FA Cup semi-final disappointment behind them swiftly as they look to derail Arsenal's Premier League title hopes.

The Blues were the better side against Manchester City at Wembley Stadium but Bernardo Silva's decisive goal sent the English champions through to the final. Fortunately for Mauricio Pochettino and his side, they are back in action this weekend with a chance to respond.

They travel to the Emirates Stadium looking to strengthen their hopes of finishing in the European places. However, they come up against an Arsenal team with plenty to play for in the battle to become champions with Manchester City and Liverpool.

Over the last few days, updates on Reece James coming back from injury have emerged and that could be needed with Malo Gusto appearing to suffer a fresh knock. With that in mind, football.london has taken a look at the latest Chelsea injury news with the clash against Arsenal right around the corner.

Malo Gusto

Gusto has endured some injury niggles this season with another appearing to emerge against Man City. The France international received treatment from the physios in the final quarter before being subbed off in the 79th minute.

Injury: Unknown.

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Possible return date: Arsenal (A) - Tuesday, April 23.

Cole Palmer

Palmer completed the full 90 minutes of the FA Cup semi-final defeat to Man City. In the early stages of the game, he appeared to be limping with some strapping around his thigh very noticeable but he did play the whole game.

Injury: Unknown.

Possible return date: Arsenal (A) - Tuesday, April 23.

Christopher Nkunku

Christopher Nkunku is now back in partial team training, according to the official club website. The 26-year-old forward has been out for most of the season, and he's currently missing with a hamstring issue.

Injury: Hamstring.

What Pochettino has said: "They assess him day by day and in the last few days he has the possibility to be involved in some parts of the training session. We now need to see the reaction of his body and see how he evolves. We hope he can be involved soon."

Possible return date: May.

Robert Sanchez

Robert Sanchez had been 'absent due to illness' in the past week but has now returned to partial team training. He struggled with fitness earlier this season. He wasn't on the bench on Saturday.

Injury: Illness.

Possible return date: Arsenal (A) - Tuesday, April 23.

Raheem Sterling

Raheem Sterling was also 'absent due to illness'. However, the forward came off the bench at Wembley in the 88th minute.

Injury: Illness.

Possible return date: Returned.

Levi Colwill

Levi Colwill is 'continuing to undergo his rehabilitation programme'. The 21-year-old defender has been nursing a toe injury, which has caused him to miss some big games for Chelsea and hasn't played in over four weeks.

Injury: Toe.

What Pochettino has said: "We only found out after the [Brentford] game. We finished with two players who then couldn't train. Levi's problem is his toe."

Possible return date: Unknown.

Reece James

Reece James is 'continuing to undergo his rehabilitation programme'. The 24-year-old defender has recently begun rehabilitation after undergoing hamstring surgery at the end of last year.

He continues to train individually at Cobham. He has been involved in outdoor solo work for over four weeks.

Injury: Hamstring.

What Pochettino has said: "We were talking and he has started his recovery, one day closer to being with the group. This is really positive and we're all positive around him, we are going to help. It's tough for a player with a very complicated and difficult season for him. Now's the process to start to recover and it's one day less until he's part of the group. The most important thing is to start to solve the problem and help him to be strong."

Possible return date: Unknown.

Romeo Lavia

Romeo Lavia is 'continuing to undergo his rehabilitation programme'. The 20-year-old midfielder has featured just once for Chelsea this season, having struggled to stay match-fit and escape injury.

Injury: Thigh.

Possible return date: Next season.

Lesley Ugochukwu

Lesley Ugochukwu is 'continuing to undergo his rehabilitation programme'. The 20-year-old midfielder's last outing came back in December and he's not been seen since with no further update.

Injury: Unknown.

Possible return date: Next season.

Wesley Fofana

Wesley Fofana is 'continuing to undergo his rehabilitation programme'. The 23-year-old defender has returned to training on the pitches at Cobham, but he's still considered a long way from returning to action.

Injury: Ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.

What Pochettino has said: "Unfortunately, I think it is difficult to see Wes playing this season, but you never know."

Possible return date: Next season.