Nkunku update, James boost, Fernandez decision - Chelsea injury news and return dates vs Man City

Chelsea will be hoping to capitalise on an additional 48 hours of rest over Manchester City when they clash at Wembley on Saturday evening.

The Blues are aiming for their fourth FA Cup final in five years, whilst City are looking to retain their trophy. Pep Guardiola's team must bounce back from their treble dream being shattered on Wednesday night though following a penalty shootout loss to Real Madrid in the Champions League.

The current cup champions were pushed beyond 120 minutes by Carlo Ancelotti and face a significant physical and mental recovery challenge. Chelsea, on the other hand, have more concrete issues after further fitness concerns emerged against Everton.

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Here, Manchester Evening News provides the latest from the Blues' treatment room.

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.

Noni Madueke

Noni Madueke was withdrawn in the 72nd minute against Everton after being on the end of a number of strong challenges that required him to be seen by club physios. Despite his number being shown, Madueke appeared to be trying to signal to the bench that he was still okay to continue despite coming off worse for wear from one of those challenges.

When he was replaced by Carney Chukwuemeka, Madueke headed straight down the tunnel, but he later returned to watch the final minutes from the bench. Pochettino didn't mention the player in his pre-match press conference and so is expected to be fine to play on Saturday.

Possible return date: Manchester City (N) - FA Cup semi-final - Saturday, April 20.

Enzo Fernandez

Enzo Fernandez is currently 'undergoing medical assessment', according to the official club website. He has suffered an inflammation to his adductor, according to reports in Argentina. Fernandez was not included in the Chelsea squad to face Everton.

He wasn't ruled out by Pochettino ahead of the game and was taken off the club's pre-match injury list. He's expected to feature.

Injury: Unknown.

What Pochettino has said: "Yes, we will see. They are under assessment. They have different types of issues. We don't believe they are big issues but we will see if they can be available. At the moment, they have not trained after Sheffield. We do not know if they can be involved or not for Monday."

Possible return date: Manchester City (N) - FA Cup semi-final - Saturday, April 20.

Axel Disasi

Axel Disasi is currently 'undergoing medical assessment'. The 26-year-old defender has boasted a brilliant injury record during his career until now. The France international was absent from the team that beat Everton on Monday.

He was removed from the pre-match injury list and is expected to be involved in some form.

Injury: Unknown.

What Pochettino has said: "Yes, we will see. They are under assessment. They have different type of issues. We don't believe they are big issues but we will see if they can be available. At the moment, they have not trained after Sheffield. We do not know if they can be involved or not for Monday."

Possible return date: Manchester City (N) - FA Cup semi-final - Saturday, April 20.

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.

Injury: Illness.

Possible return date: Manchester City (N) - FA Cup semi-final - Saturday, April 20.

Raheem Sterling

Raheem Sterling WAS also 'absent due to illness'. He has largely remained fully fit this season and is expected to play against City.

Injury: Illness.

Possible return date: Manchester City (N) - FA Cup semi-final - Saturday, April 20.

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.