Mason Mount is expected to be out for two weeks with an ankle ligament problem, and is now facing a race against time to be fit for the Carabao Cup final.
Chelsea take on Liverpool at Wembley on February 27, but could be without one of their key players for the showdown with the Reds.
Mount was substituted 31 minutes into Chelsea's eventual Club World Cup final win over Palmeiras on Saturday after complaining of discomfort in his ankle. He was replaced by Christian Pulisic and left the stadium on crutches.
Thomas Tuchel confirmed post-match that Mount would be sent for a scan on the issue, and The Athletic report that the injury sustained by the England international was not as bad as first feared and he will only miss a fortnight.
This rules him out of Saturday's trip to Crystal Palace in the Premier League and the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie against Lille next week, but also puts his participation in the Carabao Cup final in jeopardy.
If Mount is not fit in time to face Liverpool a week on Sunday, then his return could come in Chelsea's FA Cup fifth round clash at Luton Town the following Wednesday.
Mount picked up a similar ankle injury in September 2019 after a strong challenge by Francis Coquelin in the Blues' Champions League clash with Valencia, though he was only absent for five days on that occasion and Chelsea will be cautious about rushing him back this time around.
Source : 90min