Chelsea's chance to redeem a disastrous campaign arrives on Saturday afternoon when they face Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium.
A silver lining could help appease an increasingly disillusioned fanbase, though Chelsea's recent record at the venue leaves much to be desired. After defeat in the 2023–24 Carabao Cup final, they became the first team ever to lose six consecutive finals at Wembley.
Toppling Manchester City will prove an almighty task, and manager Calum McFarlane will need to lean on all the weapons in his arsenal to achieve the feat. Unfortunately, there are a number of fitness issues that have emerged in recent weeks.
Injured Players Ahead of FA Cup Final
Robert Sánchez
Chelsea's first-choice goalkeeper suffered a nasty head injury. He is expected to make his comeback at Wembley, with McFarlane certain to call upon the 28-year-old if he's deemed fit enough.
Possible Return Date: May 16 (vs. Man City)
Benoît Badiashile
The French defender hasn't played for Chelsea since mid-March despite not suffering any reported injury. He appears to be absent with a mystery illness, and there is no certainty over his potential return date.
Possible Return Date: Unknown
Jesse Derry
Chelsea youngster Jesse Derby was withdrawn against Nottingham Forest due to a serious head injury. The 18-year-old was stretchered off after lengthy treatment on his first-ever Premier League start.
Unfortunately, his season is over, and it remains to be seen when he will return from the sidelines.
Possible Return Date: Unknown
Jamie Gittens
The summer recruit has managed just one goal in 27 appearances this season, and his debut campaign has been decimated by several lengthy injury blows. He returned to treatment room at the end of January with a hamstring problem.
He appears extremely unlikely to make the FA Cup final squad, with no return date yet penciled in.
Possible Return Date: Unknown
Estêvão
The Brazilian's season has come to a premature end, sustaining a hamstring tear in the draw with Manchester United last month. The teenager has missed every subsequent fixture and is out for the remainder of the club campaign.
His place in Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad is also under serious threat.
Possible Return Date: Unknown
Alejandro Garnacho
Chelsea's injury issues are almost exclusively in wide areas, with Alejandro Garnacho one of those struggling. The Argentine has been sidelined with a muscle strain since the FA Cup semifinal with Leeds United.
However, Garnacho is expected to make his comeback against Man City—the team he scored against for Manchester United in the 2023–24 FA Cup final—with McFarlane "very hopeful" of his involvement.
Possible Return Date: May 16 (vs. Man City)
Pedro Neto
Fortunately, McFarlane was also "very hopeful" of Neto's availability for the final, with Chelsea desperately needing the pace and endeavor provided by their speedy wide man.
Possible Return Date: May 16 (vs. Man City)