{"id":2928,"date":"2026-05-01T20:02:25","date_gmt":"2026-05-01T20:02:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=2928"},"modified":"2026-05-01T20:02:25","modified_gmt":"2026-05-01T20:02:25","slug":"james-colwill-estevao-chelsea-injury-news-and-return-dates-for-nottingham-forest","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=2928","title":{"rendered":"James, Colwill, Estevao &#8211; Chelsea injury news and return dates for Nottingham Forest"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"article-body\">\n<h2 class=\"LeadText_lead-text__wd_PA __className_d75294\" data-testid=\"leadtext\">The latest Chelsea injury news and potential return dates ahead Calum McFarlane&#8217;s Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge on Monday, May 4<\/h2>\n<p><button type=\"button\" class=\"SlideViewerButton_slide-viewer-button__BDJoG\" aria-label=\"Open image viewer\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-controls=\"image-lightbox\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX ImageEmbed_image-lead__Ti3qQ\" data-testid=\"leadimage\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"33875202\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-container__2AIQm\">\n<figure class=\"Figure_figure__Uce4f\" style=\"--figure-aspect-ratio:1.5\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Reece James looks on\" loading=\"eager\" sizes=\"(max-width: 508px) 508px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article33875202.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200f\/1_Fulham-FC-v-Chelsea-FC-Premier-League.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article33875202.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s508\/1_Fulham-FC-v-Chelsea-FC-Premier-League.jpg 508w, https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article33875202.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615\/1_Fulham-FC-v-Chelsea-FC-Premier-League.jpg 615w, https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article33875202.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200f\/1_Fulham-FC-v-Chelsea-FC-Premier-League.jpg 1200w\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"ImageCaption_caption__j7HRu\" data-testid=\"image-caption\">\n<p aria-label=\"Reece James could be back in action on Monday\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Reece James could be back in action on Monday<cite aria-label=\"Image: Getty Images\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-credit__wlx1W\" data-testid=\"caption-credit\">(Image: Getty Images)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<p><\/button><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Chelsea could be without a number of first-team stars for their Premier League encounter with Nottingham Forest.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The two teams are set to meet at Stamford Bridge at 3pm on Monday, May 4, as Calum McFarlane looks to guide the Blues to Champions League football for 2026\/27. The Englishman has stepped in on an interim basis until season&#8217;s end, following Liam Rosenior&#8217;s sacking just three months into a six-and-a-half year deal.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Currently eighth in the Premier League standings headed into their last four matches, a staggering 10 points separate Chelsea from the top five. It&#8217;s vital that the Blues, therefore, clinch all three available on home soil at the turn of the week, as it could be a difference maker in the club clinching any form of European football for the new term.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">FOLLOW OUR CHELSEA FB PAGE!<\/strong> <strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\"\/><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\"><u>Latest Blues news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page<\/u><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">While McFarlane would have hoped to have a full-strength squad available for the match, the interim head coach could be without a number of key players against Nottingham Forest.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"HeadingThree_heading-three__PBHLs  __className_ad5a40\">Reece James<\/h3>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Chelsea skipper James has been sidelined since March with a hamstring injury, but could feature for his club once again this weekend.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Speaking about the Englishman&#8217;s status during his pre-match press-conference on Friday, McFarlane said: &#8220;Reece had a really good run and has been injured again, and there\u2019s a lot of games still to play, so we don\u2019t want to push too much.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">He added that the full-back is looking &#8220;promising,&#8221; although the weekend will tell whether he is able to feature in any capacity against Forest.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Potential return date:<\/strong> Monday, May 4 vs Nottingham Forest<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"HeadingThree_heading-three__PBHLs  __className_ad5a40\">Levi Colwill<\/h3>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Colwill is yet to feature for the club this season as a result of an ACL rupture last summer. However, McFarlane has revealed that the centre-half has since returned to training, and could make an appearance on Monday.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">He explained: &#8220;We&#8217;re taking it day by day. Levi has had a long injury.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Potential return date:<\/strong> Monday, May 4 vs Nottingham Forest<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"HeadingThree_heading-three__PBHLs  __className_ad5a40\">Estevao Willian<\/h3>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Estevao had his World Cup dream shattered last month when he sustained a hamstring tear during Chelsea&#8217;s clash with Manchester United. McFarlane has since confirmed that the Brazilian winger will not play again this season.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">He said: &#8220;Estevao unfortunately won\u2019t play for us this season. He will be out for a little bit of time.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Reports from ESPN Brazil have also seemingly ruled the 19-year-old out of this summer&#8217;s World Cup in North America.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Potential return date:<\/strong> This summer<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"HeadingThree_heading-three__PBHLs  __className_ad5a40\">Jamie Gittens<\/h3>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Gittens suffered a hamstring injury in January and is yet to return as a result of a setback during his recovery.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Rosenior said of the star ahead of Chelsea&#8217;s 7-0 win over Port Vale last month: &#8220;Unfortunately, Jamie, in training yesterday, picked up what looks like a hamstring injury again.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;We have to scan him and make sure. It&#8217;s a real shame for him; I think it&#8217;s the third time it&#8217;s happened. We need to help him and we need to make sure he&#8217;s okay. I can&#8217;t give you a time frame on that at the moment.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Potential return date:<\/strong> Unknown<\/p>\n<div class=\"AffiliateContentsEmbed_affiliate-contents-container__oTiet\" data-testid=\"affiliate-contents-embed\">\n<div data-testid=\"affiliate-content\" class=\"AffiliateContent_affiliate-content-container__10EX_ affiliate-content\">\n<p>Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package<\/p>\n<div class=\"AffiliateDisclaimer_affiliate-disclaimer__dG5ST\">\n<div class=\"AffiliateDisclaimer_affiliate-text__8nmDa\">This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"AffiliateContent_section-container__JMDzM AffiliateContent_content-details__U6C2M AffiliateContent_has-content-img___LY95\">\n<div class=\"AffiliateContent_section-content__QCkL9\">\n<div class=\"AffiliateContent_content-image__FxPNL\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Content Image\" fetchpriority=\"auto\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article29688894.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s510b\/0_Sky-Factbox.jpg\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"AffiliateContent_section-container__JMDzM\">\n<div id=\"product-description\" class=\"AffiliateContent_section-content__QCkL9\">\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The latest Chelsea injury news and potential return dates ahead Calum McFarlane&#8217;s Premier League clash&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2929,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2928","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-chelsea"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2928","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2928"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2928\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/2929"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2928"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2928"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2928"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}