The Blues continue to be inconsistent under Mauricio Pochettino, following four-goal defeats against Liverpool and Wolverhampton Wanderers by scoring three goals in victories at Aston Villa and Crystal Palace.

Although the EFL Cup final is on the horizon, Chelsea head into this contest sitting in 10th position in the standings and eager to further close the gap on the top seven.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up Chelsea's latest injury and suspension news ahead of their trip to the North West to face the defending champions.

Thiago Silva

Chelsea's Thiago Silva receives medical attention on February 12, 2024 © Reuters

Status: Out
Type of injury: Groin
Possible return date: February 25 (vs. Liverpool)

Thiago Silva was forced off with a groin issue on the hour-mark against Palace on Monday. Pochettino has since insisted that it is "a minor injury", but the Brazilian will not feature at the Etihad Stadium.

Wesley Fofana

Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana after suffering a knee injury against AC Milan on October 5, 2022. © Reuters

Status: Out
Type of injury: Knee
Possible return date: Unknown

Wesley Fofana is yet to make an appearance for Chelsea this term due to a serious knee injury and the defender is unlikely to return before next season.

Lesley Ugochukwu

Chelsea's Lesley Ugochukwu in action with Bournemouth's Ryan Christie and Philip Billing on September 17, 2023 © Reuters

Status: Out
Type of injury: Hamstring
Possible return date: Unknown

Lesley Ugochukwu sustained a hamstring injury in the loss to Wolves on Christmas Eve and the midfielder has since been ruled out until at least the end of the month.

Marc Cucurella

Chelsea's Marc Cucurella is shown a yellow card by referee Simon Hooper on November 25, 2023 © Reuters

Status: Out
Type of injury: Ankle
Possible return date: Unknown

Marc Cucurella was another victim of that defeat to Everton, sustaining an ankle injury which required surgery, and the left-back is not expected to return until March at the earliest.

Reece James

Chelsea's Reece James leaves the pitch after being shown a red card by referee Simon Hooper on November 25, 2023 © Reuters

Status: Out
Type of injury: Hamstring
Possible return date: Unknown

Reece James underwent hamstring surgery just before Christmas and the Chelsea captain is facing a race against time to be fit before the end of the season.

Romeo Lavia

Romeo Lavia in action for Chelsea on December 27, 2023 © Reuters

Status: Out
Type of injury: Thigh
Possible return date: Unknown

Romeo Lavia's long-awaited return to the Chelsea side following a lengthy spell out with an ankle injury was cut short by a thigh problem, and it remains to be seen when the midfielder will return to the first-team fold, with Pochettino already acknowledging that it will not be during February.

Benoit Badiashile

Chelsea defender Benoit Badiashile suffers an injury on February 7, 2024. © Reuters

Status: Out
Type of injury: Groin
Possible return date: Unknown

Benoit Badiashile was forced off during the closing stages against Aston Villa on February 7 with a groin injury. According to reports, the Frenchman will spend a month on the sidelines, potentially ruling him out until the middle of March.