Chelsea injury update: Estevao and Gittens close to return before PSG clash

Chelsea could receive a significant boost ahead of a demanding run of fixtures after positive injury updates emerged following their FA Cup victory over Wrexham.

Liam Rosenior’s side secured a dramatic 4-2 win after extra time at the Racecourse Ground, with goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Joao Pedro confirming Chelsea’s place in the quarter-finals. Despite the scare, the result allowed several key players to remain rested ahead of upcoming matches against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League and Newcastle United in the Premier League.

Encouragingly for the Blues, a number of injured players are now moving closer to returning to full fitness.

Brazilian winger Estevao has missed several recent matches after suffering a hamstring injury during training before Chelsea’s draw with Burnley.

The youngster has been absent from fixtures against Arsenal, Aston Villa and Wrexham, but Rosenior recently confirmed that the player has resumed work on the training pitch.

“Estevao is back on the pitch, but he is not quite ready for this one. He just needs to clear a few more markers first.”

Chelsea are taking a cautious approach to the winger’s recovery due to the nature of the injury. If progress continues, Estevao could soon return to the matchday squad.

Potential return date: 11 March vs PSG or 14 March vs Newcastle

Jamie Gittens has also been working his way back from a hamstring injury sustained during Chelsea’s win over West Ham in January.

The summer signing has not featured since that match, but recent medical scans have reportedly produced encouraging results.

“Jamie Gittens is getting really close and he had a really positive scan. We hope he can be back with the group within the next seven days.”

While the Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain may come too soon, the winger could return shortly afterwards.

Potential return date: 14 March vs Newcastle

Defender Levi Colwill remains one of Chelsea’s longer-term injury absentees after suffering a serious knee injury during pre-season.

The England international has been undergoing rehabilitation for several months but is now back running on the training pitch as part of his recovery programme.

Rosenior has praised the defender’s dedication while emphasising that the club will not rush his return.

“He’s on the right track and working really hard. I don’t want to put pressure on him because his health is the most important thing.”

If rehabilitation continues without setbacks, Colwill could potentially return before the end of the current campaign.

Potential return date: May

Chelsea face a crucial Champions League round-of-16 clash against Paris Saint-Germain on 11 March before returning to Premier League action against Newcastle United later that week.

Rosenior is expected to provide further updates on the fitness of Estevao and Gittens ahead of those matches. Their availability could strengthen Chelsea’s attacking options during a pivotal stage of the season.