Palmer, Caicedo, Fofana: Latest Chelsea injury news and expected return dates ahead of Benfica and Liverpool
The latest on Chelsea’s concerning injury list and when players could return to action.
Chelsea are currently dealing with more first team injuries than any other Premier League club, as their squad continues to suffer after the club underwent a gruelling Club World Cup campaign over the summer, while the majority of their domestic rivals were able to rest and recover.
The Blues are back in action twice again this week when they take on Benfica and Liverpool. Fans will host the return of former manager Jose Mourinho at Stamford Bridge when Benfica arrive this evening for their Champions League clash.
Liverpool will then make the trip down south at the weekend after having their perfect start to the season dismantled by Crystal Palace.
Enzo Maresca has provided some updates on his squad’s fitness levels ahead of Benfica tonight. We’ve put together all the latest injury news, including possible return dates for those who have been missing both short and long-term this season.
Cole Palmer Chelsea injury update
One of the biggest misses for Chelsea right now is Cole Palmer. The Blues have opted to err on the side of caution and keep him away from this week’s match day squads to avoid prolonging his ongoing groin injury.
Palmer was taken off against Manchester United and missed the clash with Brighton. It’s unlikely fans will see him back in action for Chelsea before the international break, following Enzo Maresca’s latest update.
The manager has confirmed they are ‘protecting’ Palmer and plan to rest him for ‘two to three weeks’ until after the break.
Tosin Adarabioyo is another player who is not expected back until after the break, having picked up a ‘small calf injury’ in the build-up to Brighton.
Chelsea will also be without Wesley Fofana this week, who sustained a concussion during the Carabao Cup clash against Lincoln City. Due to concussion protocols, a 12-day absence period is required, meaning Fofana won’t be eligible for selection against Benfica or Liverpool this week, reports the Standard. The defender will be able to return after the international break.
Trevoh Chalobah will miss this weekend’s clash against Liverpool following his red card against Brighton. However, his suspension is just one match in domestic English football, meaning he will be eligible for selection against Benfica.
Will Moises Caicedo and Joao Pedro play this week?
In his pre-match press conference ahead of Benfica, Maresca confirmed he would make a decision on the readiness of Moises Caicedo, Joao Pedro and Andrey Santos, who all picked up knocks against Brighton.
“Unfortunately for us they all have small problems,” the manager said of the trio. We are going to see if they are available. For sure in this moment we have injuries, but we have a squad to try to replace the injuries we have.”
While the update on Caicedo, Pedro and Santos is promising, Chelsea are still without some others, who are due to be on the sidelines for longer periods of time.
Liam Delap is working towards his return but will still be unavailable for several more weeks. Earlier this month, Maresca quoted a ‘10-12 week’ timeframe on his recovery, which could see him back in action towards the end of November.
As for Levi Colwill and Dario Essugo, the duo are out for the long-term. Essugo is not expected back before 2026, while Colwill continues to recover from an ACL injury.