Chelsea injury latest as four players to miss Everton with Cole Palmer and Wesley Fofana boost

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Chelsea are set to welcome back Cole Palmer this weekend when they take on Everton after the England international missed Tuesday night's loss to Atalanta

Cole Palmer will be available for Chelsea's Premier League clash against Everton on Saturday after missing Wednesday night's Champions League defeat to Everton.

Palmer was omitted from the squad that lost in Italy in midweek as part of his recovery. The England international has made just six appearances in all competitions for Enzo Maresca's men, with a groin injury keeping him out since September.

He started in the 0-0 draw at Bournemouth last weekend after making his return in the defeat at Leeds United. After missing training on Monday, football.london understands that his absence from midweek was part of an integrated return to action.

Now, ahead of the visit of Everton this weekend, Maresca confirmed that Palmer will be ready to feature. "Yes, he is okay," the Italian said. "He is better, he is available at the moment with one more session available. He finished the session with us with a mixed feeling but he is okay."

Maresca also provided positive news on Wesley Fofana. The defender came off the bench at half-time in Bergamo before being forced off with an eye injury in the second half, with Maresca confirming the centre-back had completed a training session on Thursday and is "fine".

Unfortunately, Chelsea's options at centre-forward are limited. Liam Delap's frustrating start to life in west London is set to continue for several weeks on the sidelines after injuring his shoulder against Bournemouth.

Romeo Lavia is another Chelsea player struggling with constant injury problems. Since his £53million move from Southampton in 2023, the midfielder has played just 29 games, with the issue sustained in the Champions League draw with Qarabag in November the latest to force him out.

"It's a muscle problem," Maresca said last week. "We don't know yet when he can be back." Asked if Lavia would be a short-term or long-term absentee, he added: "We don't know."

Fellow midfielder Dario Essugo is also out after picking up a thigh injury whilst playing for Portugal Under-21s in September. A return later this year or early 2026 is expected, although the exact timing is unknown.

"For sure, he [Essugo] is not available for the next three games," Maresca said. "I don't think [it is serious]. We need to check him, as it happened yesterday. Unfortunately, it was just yesterday, so I don't know."

Levi Colwill has not played for Chelsea at all this season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in pre-season in August. He underwent surgery and reports suggest that he has been progressing well.