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Chelsea handed triple fitness boost for Nottingham Forest clash amid latest injury update

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Thursday, October 16th 2025 at 12:33 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Chelsea handed triple‑fitness boost for Nottingham Forest clash amid latest injury update

Chelsea’s medical team has given the first of a trio of fitness boosts to key players ahead of their Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest on Saturday, a decision that follows a busy week of injury news and a tactical reshuffle for manager Graham Potter.

The latest injury update

Potter’s squad has been hit by a series of knocks over the last two weeks. Alvaro Morata, who missed the last two matches with a strained adductor, is expected to return for the home game at Stamford Bridge. Christian Pulisic has been sidelined with a calf injury since the 2–1 defeat to West Ham, but he is now deemed fit to train. The most dramatic development came with the confirmation that N’Golo Kanté will be out for the remainder of the season after a hamstring tear. Kanté’s absence forces Potter to rely on his versatile midfield depth, and it has prompted speculation that the Dutchman will be replaced by a combination of the younger Thomas (M) and the more seasoned Mateo Kovačić.

[ Official Chelsea injury update ] – a release on the club’s website that lists all current injuries and expected return dates.

The triple‑fitness boost

In a press conference before the match, Potter’s head of sports science, Dr. David Cockerill, revealed that three senior players will receive a “fitness boost” as part of the team’s conditioning programme. The players are:

1. Jorginho – a veteran midfielder who has been struggling to regain full match fitness after a foot injury that required surgery last season. The boost involves a high‑intensity interval session coupled with a specialised recovery protocol.
2. Marin – the club’s new centre‑back who has made his first Premier League start on Thursday but has yet to appear fully fit in training. Marin’s boost includes a targeted strength circuit and a physiotherapy session to address lingering knee soreness.
3. Kurt Zouma – a defensive midfielder who is making a comeback after a ruptured Achilles tendon. Zouma’s boost will focus on proprioceptive training to ensure stability before re‑entering competitive play.

The trio will be monitored closely by the medical staff, who will adjust the intensity of the sessions based on real‑time biometrics. Potter praised the team’s resilience, saying, “We’re fortunate to have a squad that can step up when injuries arise. The medical and coaching staff are doing a phenomenal job keeping us ready.”

[ Chelsea fitness update ] – a second official club release that explains the role of the fitness boost and the players involved.

Tactical implications

With Kanté out and the midfield experiencing fluidity, Potter’s game plan against Forest hinges on a high‑press system that relies on Jorginho’s experience to control the tempo. The coach is expected to slot the young Thomas (M) into the central midfield slot, partnering with Kovačić to provide both defensive solidity and creative spark. Marin will be dropped to a more advanced defensive role, while Zouma’s return offers a new option to cover the central midfield area if needed.

Chelsea’s forward line will also be re‑structured. With Pulisic back, Potter may opt for a more traditional 4-3-3, deploying Timo Werner as the lone striker behind a front three of Pedro Porro, Christian Pulisic, and a rotated Ben Brereton. If Pulisic remains unavailable, the squad will likely rely on the “bench depth” of Randal Kolo Muani or a more creative, forward‑based midfield approach that features Jorginho in a deeper role.

The Nottingham Forest side

Forest, managed by Daniel Farke, will look to exploit any transitional gaps in Chelsea’s formation. Their attacking trio – consisting of the versatile Kacper Kozlowski, the pace of Jadon Sancho, and the creative vision of the young striker, Kieran O’Connell – will target the back line, particularly the newly reinforced centre‑back positions. The club’s latest injury report indicates that their leading striker, Chris Wood, is still sidelined, which may shift the focus to their midfield and wings.

[ Forest injury update ] – an official club release that lists injuries that may affect their lineup.

Expectations for the match

The match is set to be a tightly contested Premier League fixture. With Chelsea’s recent win against Everton (3-1) and a solid defensive record, the Blues are considered favorites. However, the injury updates have created an unpredictable element in the side. Potter’s decision to give Jorginho, Marin, and Zouma a fitness boost shows his intent to maximise squad depth, and the outcome of this approach will be closely watched.

For Nottingham Forest, the match is a critical opportunity to climb into the top half of the table. Their tactical plan will focus on disciplined defending and quick counterattacks, hoping to catch Chelsea off‑guard if the trio’s boost does not translate into match readiness.

Looking ahead

Should the triple‑fitness boost prove successful, Potter may keep the same approach for upcoming fixtures against Arsenal and Manchester United. Conversely, any signs of lingering fatigue or injury could prompt a reshuffle of his tactical lineup. In the meantime, the Chelsea fans will be hoping that the combined efforts of the medical staff, coaching team, and the players will deliver a solid performance at Stamford Bridge, enabling the club to close the gap on the league leaders.