Thiago Silva and Christian Pulisic look likely to miss Chelsea’s match against Newcastle next Monday.
Both players were missing for Sunday’s win at Sheffield United and boss Thomas Tuchel’s comments after the game suggest they will not be making a quick return.
Speaking at his post-match press conference, Tuchel said Pulisic missed the trip to south Yorkshire for “family reasons” and the manager also confirmed that veteran defender Silva would definitely be unavailable for this week’s FA Cup tie against Barnsley.
The Brazilian could be back for the visit to Southampton on 20 February, but even that looks a “very ambitious” target, according to Tuchel.
“For Thiago we are fighting every day. He will for sure be out for the FA Cup,” Tuchel said.
“It will take us some time. It will take us several days. I think Southampton is maybe realistic but it is very ambitious.
“We will do everything and I know Thiago – he will do everything to be ready as soon as possible.
“With a muscle injury you cannot take any risks. When it’s healed it’s healed.”
Kai Havertz, who missed the games against Sheffield United and Tottenham after picking up an injury in training, will be assessed this week.
