Chelsea dealt double injury blow as key duo miss training ahead of Liverpool clash

Chelsea have been dealt a double injury blow as Mason Mount and Antonio Rudiger missed training today ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash with Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.

Mount has been an important part of Frank Lampard’s new-look side this season but the youngster was forced off during the early stages of Chelsea’s Champions League defeat to Valencia on Tuesday night.

The midfielder sustained an ankle injury in the 16th minute following a heavy challenge from Francis Coquelin but luckily for Chelsea the early signs indicate he hasn’t suffered any serious ligament damage.

However, according to Sky Sports reporter Paul Gilmour, Mount was unable to return to training at Chelsea’s Cobham training base today and the England international is now expected to miss Sunday’s huge league showdown with Liverpool.

Rudiger missed Chelsea’s 1-0 loss to Valencia in midweek after aggravating a groin injury against Wolves at the weekend and the centre-back is now set to also miss the Liverpool game after failing to take part in today’s training session.

It would be a huge blow for Chelsea to be without Mount and Rudiger against the Merseysiders, however, there is some positive news as Emerson looks set to feature this weekend after returning to training.

The Italian international missed the recently games with Wolves and Valencia after picking up a thigh injury during the international break earlier this month but he could now be in contention to face Liverpool.

N’Golo Kante is also set to return to the Chelsea squad as he continued to build on his fitness at training this afternoon having missed the last four matches with a niggling ankle injury.

Kante’s return in particular would be a huge boost for Chelsea as they prepare to welcome the run-away Premier League leaders to Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon.