Our next match sees us travelling across the capital to the London Stadium to take on West Ham United in what will be our fourth derby in the space of five Premier League fixtures.

West Ham vs Chelsea Joao Felix update

Graham Potter's squad will receive a boost for that game, too, as Joao Felix is available for selection again after serving his three-match suspension for a red card received on his debut in the first of those derbies, away at Fulham last month.

Potter is in no doubt that the Portuguese forward is ready to go straight back into the action, even if he is still adapting to his new surroundings in west London.

'It’s great to have him back,' said our head coach. 'I think we all saw the impact that he had in his 60 minutes before the red card. You could see his quality, I see it every day.

'He’s a player that I think can make a difference for us but at the same time it’s about helping him get into the team, get integrated into the team and to the team-mates around him and for him to understand what we’re trying to do, but the signs are really positive.'

West Ham vs Chelsea Raheem Sterling, Wesley Fofana, Mateo Kovacic and Denis Zakaria injury update

Unfortunately there was also some bad news on the injury front, with Raheem Sterling picking up a fresh problem after making his return from a previous ailment against Fulham next week, although there was more positive news on the progress of Wesley Fofana, Denis Zakaria and Mateo Kovacic.

'We had a little set-back with Raheem, he had a kick in training so we’re assessing him,' explained Potter. 'I think he’s probably doubtful for tomorrow I’d say. It’s a new injury, he just got a kick in training on the side of his knee.

'No one else is back but they’re all getting closer and closer. Wesley has been training with the team, Denis has been training with the team.

'Apart from that, Mateo’s training with the team, but it will be too soon for him. So there’s good news, we’ve got some options.'

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang update

Our head coach also responded to the recent rumours regarding the future of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, insisting the striker continues to be a valued member of his squad and has no complaints about his attitude or work-rate at Cobham.

'There’s nothing to report. He’s been training with us this week, training really well,' added Potter.

'So he’s conducting himself well, he’s a really good professional and has been supporting his team-mates. While he’s here he’s doing exactly what I expect him to do, which is to train well and act well.'

West Ham vs Chelsea injury list

Despite the positive news provided by Potter on Fofana, Kovacic and Zakaria's returns, Chelsea are still contending with several injuries in addition to the new one for Sterling, as Christian Pulisic, N'Golo Kante, Armando Broja and Edouard Mendy are all still out of contention for the Blues due to injury.

West Ham expect this game to come too soon for former Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma or Maxwel Cornet to play a part, although there are hopes Italian striker Gianluca Scamacca could return this week. The Hammers also likely to be without Alphonse Areola and Thilo Kehrer due to hamstring problems.

West Ham vs Chelsea suspension

Joao Felix has completed his three-game ban and is available to return against West Ham, meaning there are no suspensions on either side for this match.

Players who accumulate 10 yellow cards in Premier League matches up to and including our 32nd fixture will serve a two-match suspension in the competition.

Premier League booking list
Gallagher 4, Jorginho 4, Azpilicueta 3, Chalobah 3, Havertz 3, James 3, Koulibaly 3, Kovacic 3, Mount 3, Sterling 3, Cucurella 2, Aubameyang 1, Chilwell 1, Hall 1, Loftus-Cheek 1, Mendy 1, Pulisic 1, Thiago Silva 1

West Ham vs Chelsea referee and VAR

Referee: Craig Pawson
VAR: Neil Swarbrick

Craig Pawson’s only previous Chelsea game this season was on the opening day at Everton. This will be his first West Ham match in 2022/23.

• Follow the game via our Match Centre

• Where to watch West Ham vs Chelsea

• West Ham vs Chelsea preview