The October international break has arrived, with Chelsea players jetting off to meet up with their international sides.
The Blues had endured a miserable mixed start to the Premier League this season, win 3-1 over Brighton and loss to Premier League champions Liverpool before a draw with West Brom.
But the west London club are finally got back winning ways before international break, with a comfortable 4-0 win over Crystal Palace and Frank Lampard was boosted by the return of Christian Pulisic.
With that said, there were still two notable first-team absentees from the matchday squad against Crystal Palace.
With that said, here’s the latest Chelsea injury updates ahead of Southampton clash
Ziyech returns at Chelsea
Hakim Ziyech has returned to the Chelsea after leaving the Morocco international squad early.
The 27-year-old has not yet made his Chelsea debut following his switch from Ajax after suffering a knee injury in a pre-season clash against Brighton and Hove Albion.
The midfielder assisted a goal in a 31-minute cameo appearance against Senegal on Friday evening but it has now been confirmed he has left the squad ahead of the clash against DR Congo.
Ziyech is expected to make his first appearance for the Blues when they take on Southampton next weekend.
Christian Pulisic
The American international had been missing from Chelsea’s squad after recovering from a hamstring injury, but made his first appearance of the season in the 4-0 win over Crystal Palace last weekend.
Pulisic, 22, is expected to be ready to push for a start when Chelsea host Southampton after the international break.
Timo Werner
Timo Werner is suffering from illness and missed Germany’s 3-3 draw with Turkey on Wednesday evening.
His health will be assessed going into the Southampton game this weekend.
Edouard Mendy
Edouard Mendy made his Premier League debut for Blues in the 4-0 win over Crystal Palace, however he might have to wait a while for his next appearance.
The 28-year-old was on international duty with Senegal when he suffered a thigh injury during training session.
The new signing has returned to the Blues to undergo further tests, however Mendy is now expected to be out for the next Premier League game against Saints next weekend.
The Blues will play host to Southampton on Saturday, October 17, but Mendy is expected to be out for at least ten days.