Robert Sanchez of Chelsea(Image: Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

Sanchez, Fofana, Cucurella - Chelsea injury news and return dates after Man City draw

by · football.london

Latest Chelsea injury updates and return dates after Callum McFarlane leads Blues to dramatic last-gasp draw with Manchester City

Chelsea rescued a point at the very end of their first match since Enzo Maresca departed as head coach. A 94th-minute Enzo Fernandez strike ensured a 1-1 draw with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

City had established a foothold on the game before Tijjani Reijnders finally put Pep Guardiola's side into a lead late in the first half.

Chelsea - who were under Callum McFarlane's guidance whilst they search for their next permanent head coach - responded with positive changes after the break.

Tensions boiled over as they pushed for the equaliser, and ultimately City could not contain the visitors as Fernandez was in position to stab home the levelling goal when Gianluigi Donnarumma could not clear his lines.

It is a point that keeps the Blues within three points of fourth-placed Liverpool in the final Champions League qualification place. They, like Chelsea and fellow challengers Manchester United, have all dropped points in draws this weekend.

Therefore the race for fourth is still wildly open. Chelsea will want any advantage possible if they are going to win, and the return of key players from injuries or suspension could provide the boosts needed to finish ahead of their rivals.

football.london looks at Chelsea's list of absentees and when they are in line to return to action.

Moises Caicedo

Moises Caicedo missed the Man City match after he was shown his fifth yellow card of the season in last week's 2-2 draw with Bournemouth, resulting in a one-game suspension.
Return date: January 7 vs Fulham (A)(Image: Chris Ricco - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

Wesley Fofana

Interim boss Callum McFarlane confirmed defender Wesley Fofana missed the trip to the Etihad Stadium as he battles with a fever at the start of the New Year.
Possible return date: January 7 vs Fulham(Image: James Gill - Danehouse)

Marc Cucurella

Two days before the Man City clash, McFarlane gave positive news of Marc Cucurella's return to training after fears over a thigh injury. However, at that point it was "undecided" if he would be rushed back to playing.
As it turns out, Chelsea chose to rest the full-back in hope of a full recovery.
Possible return date: January 7 vs Fulham (A)(Image: George Wood/Getty Images)

Robert Sanchez

McFarlane also confirmed Robert Sanchez picked up a muscle problem in Chelsea's warm-up against Bournemouth last week, played through it, then felt the issue again in training. The decision was made for him not to be involved against Man City.
Possible return date: TBC(Image: Photo by Chris Lee - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

Romeo Lavia

Romeo Lavia has missed almost two months worth of action now, owing to a thigh injury. Neither Maresca nor McFarlane have suggested when the midfielder will be fit again.
Possible return date: TBC(Image: Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images)

Dario Essugo

Dario Essugo has missed the entirety of the season to date with a thigh injury, with no return date in sight.
Possible return date: TBC(Image: (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images))

Levi Colwill

Levi Colwill was ruled out for the 2025/26 campaign when he suffered an ACL injury during the Blues' pre-season calendar.
Possible return date: July(Image: (Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images))