Chelsea Face Injury Crisis Ahead of Aston Villa Clash

Chelsea could be without as many as 11 players for their Premier League match against Aston Villa at Villa Park tonight. Manager Liam Rosenior faces a number of absences due to injuries and suspensions.

Villa are currently fourth in the league, but have won only one of their last five games. Chelsea sit just three points behind Liverpool, outside the top five, making tonight’s match important for both sides in the race for a Champions League place.

Pedro Neto will miss the game after receiving a red card in Chelsea’s recent defeat to Arsenal. Fellow winger Estevao Willian is doubtful with a hamstring injury but has returned to light training and could be ready before the end of March.

Marc Cucurella, sidelined since the 2-2 draw against Leeds United last month, may return either tonight or on Saturday. Defender Dario Essugo is back in training after surgery on a thigh injury, while Jamie Gittens remains out long-term with a hamstring tear. Levi Colwill continues his recovery from a pre-season ACL injury.

Villa also have injury concerns, though fewer than Chelsea. Midfielder John McGinn is close to returning but is unlikely to feature tonight.

Other Chelsea players like Youri Tielemans and Andres Garcia are expected back next month, while Boubacar Kamara will not return until next season. Liverpool-loanee Harvey Elliott has also been absent due to injury.

Tonight’s match will be a key test for Rosenior as he tries to guide Chelsea back into the top four.