Chelsea return to Premier League action on Saturday evening when they square off against surprise package Brentford.

The Blues currently sit at the top of the standings, holding a slender one-point advantage after their 3-1 victory over Southampton before the international break.

However, ahead of squaring off against their seventh-placed opponents, head coach Thomas Tuchel has a number of injury issues to contend with before settling on a starting XI.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up all of Chelsea's latest injury and suspension news ahead of their short trip to the Brentford Community Stadium.

Christian Pulisic

Status: Out
Type of injury: Ankle
Possible return date: October 20 (vs. Malmo)

Pulisic has been unavailable since picking up an ankle injury at the start of September. While the USA international is closing in on a return to action, the winger will not be back in contention until midweek at the earliest.

Reece James

Status: Major doubt
Type of injury: Ankle
Possible return date: October 16 (vs. Brentford)

James was forced to miss international duty with England after twisting his ankle against Manchester City last month. However, the defender has since returned to training, putting him in contention for a place among the replacements against the Bees.

Thiago Silva

Status: Out
Type of injury: International duty
Possible return date: October 20 (vs. Malmo)

Tuchel had previously insisted that Silva will return from international duty in time for Saturday's fixture. However, it was confirmed on Friday that Silva would sit out this contest.

N'Golo Kante

Status: Major doubt
Type of injury: Coronavirus
Possible return date: October 16 (vs. Brentford)

Kante tested positive for coronavirus before the international break, forcing the midfielder to spend a period in isolation. The Frenchman has already returned to training, but his fitness will be assessed over the coming days.

Antonio Rudiger

Status: Out
Type of injury: Back
Possible return date: October 20 (vs. Malmo)

Rudiger missed Germany's World Cup qualifier with North Macedonia on Monday with what was described as a back problem. The ever-present centre-back will continue his recovery over the weekend, missing the game on Saturday evening.

Hakim Ziyech

Status: Major doubt
Type of injury: Illness
Possible return date: October 20 (vs. Malmo)

Tuchel revealed on Friday that Ziyech had spent time on the sidelines this week due to headaches. The Moroccan may be rested with the view of him returning in the Champions League.

CHELSEA'S SUSPENSION LIST

Chelsea have no players suspended for this match.