Branislav Ivanovic Injury: Updates on Chelsea Star's Shoulder and Return

Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic is recovering from a dislocated shoulder suffered against RZ Pellets on July 20. An exact return date has yet to be announced. 

Continue for updates.

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Latest on Ivanovic's Timeline for Return

Sunday, July 24

MailOnline's Simon Jones reported that Ivanovic is facing three weeks on the sidelines as a result of his shoulder injury and could miss the start of the 2016-17 Premier League season.

Jones added that Ivanovic "will miss Chelsea's friendlies with Liverpool and Real Madrid" in the U.S.

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Ivanovic Important to Chelsea's Chase for Title

The right-back endured a roller coaster 2015-16 campaign and was one of the veterans who failed to hit their previous standards at the beginning of the season under Jose Mourinho.

This setback means Ivanovic could miss the encounters against West Ham United on Aug. 15 and Watford on Aug. 20, giving Blues manager Antonio Conte a dilemma with regard to how he can maintain Chelsea's defensive stature during his absence.

Conte will be forced to shuffle his back four in a switch that could see Cesar Azpilicueta return to his natural right-back slot, though Baba Rahman is more likely as he replaced Ivanovic following the initial injury.

Despite failing to recapture his best form last season, Ivanovic will undoubtedly still be noted as an experienced head the squad would rather have fit and ready to feature.