Bournemouthvs.Chelsea

Although the Blues were able to qualify for the Europa Conference League group phase before the international break, they endured a mixed start to the 2024-25 Premier League campaign.

Just four points were accumulated from fixtures against Manchester City, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Crystal Palace, two of those games taking place at Stamford Bridge.

Enzo Maresca is now under pressure to deliver more wins in various competitions to kick-start what the club's owners hope will be a successful season.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up Chelsea's injury and suspension news ahead of their clash with the Cherries, who enter this contest on the back of a famous victory at Everton.

Reece James

Status: Out

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: Unknown

Reece James played in five of Chelsea's pre-season friendlies, but suffered yet another hamstring setback just before the start of the campaign. Although he has served a suspension that was running concurrently, it remains unclear when he may return.

Romeo Lavia

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: September 14 (vs. Bournemouth)

After making his full Chelsea debut against Manchester City, and featuring as a substitute in the the first leg of the Europa Conference League playoff with Servette, Romeo Lavia is yet to feature again. Maresca has previously indicated that the Belgian could be in contention to return for the Bournemouth game.

Malo Gusto

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Thigh

Possible return date: September 14 (vs. Bournemouth)

Malo Gusto's fitness was being managed ahead of the Palace encounter and that stance proved justified when he suffered a muscle injury during that game. Having needed to withdraw from international duty with France Under-21s, it remains to be seen whether he will make the fixture at the Vitality Stadium.

Cole Palmer

Status: Minor doubt

Type of injury: Muscle fatigue

Possible return date: September 14 (vs. Bournemouth)

After a long summer and featuring regularly during the club's opening five matches, it was perhaps little surprise that Cole Palmer was pulled out of the most recent England squad. However, there is every expectation that he will be involved on the South coast after a break from action.

CHELSEA'S SUSPENSION LIST

Chelsea have no players suspended for this fixture.