Chelsea injury news and return dates as Enzo Maresca provides Cole Palmer and Liam Delap updates

Enzo Maresca has provided an update on Cole Palmer ahead of Chelsea's clash against Brentford. The Blues will lock horns with Keith Andrews' side at the G-Tech Community Stadium on Saturday evening, as they look to pick up from where they left off before the international break.

Chelsea are just one of three teams to remain unbeaten in the Premier League this season. The Blues were held to a goalless draw by Crystal Palace on the opening weekend of the new campaign before enjoying wins over West Ham and Fulham.

While Chelsea are currently second in the table, Maresca believes there's plenty of room for improvement. Speaking to reporters at Cobham ahead of this weekend's west London derby, the Italian said: "Probably in terms of players, I think there is always things we can improve.

"Improving players most of the time improves the team. The team, we start to add more solutions in terms of structure, in terms of being dynamic. I think we can still add solutions."

On Brentford, Maresca added: "I think it's always a tough game. It was last year in both games. The Premier League is the best league in the world because against any club it is always tough. Tomorrow we are expecting exactly the same."

So, with that being said, football.london has rounded up the latest Chelsea injury news...

Cole Palmer

Palmer suffered a groin injury in the warm-up ahead of Chelsea's clash against West Ham last month. The 23-year-old attacking midfielder was ruled out of the Blues' 5-1 win over the Hammers, and he also missed the 2-0 victory against Fulham.

What Maresca said: "Cole took part in the session yesterday for the first time, not the entire session. We have one more session this afternoon, and we are going to try with him to see if he's okay; otherwise, he will be out tomorrow.

"He is recovering from an injury, it's not managing him, it's recovering from an injury. When he is available, we need to manage him because of the amount of games."

Expected return date: Bayern Munich (A) – Champions League – Wednesday, September 17.

Liam Delap

Delap could be back in action sooner rather than later. The 22-year-old striker, who Chelsea signed from Ipswich Town for £30 million in the summer, suffered a hamstring injury during the Blues' 2-0 win over Fulham just before the international break.

What Maresca said: "It's around 10 to 12 weeks."

Expected return date: November.

Dario Essugo

Dario Essugo suffered a thigh injury during the international break. Earlier this week, the club confirmed that the Portugal Under-21, who Chelsea signed from Sporting CP this summer, underwent surgery, and he's started a rehabilitation programme at Cobham.

What Maresca said: N/A

Expected return date: Early 2026.

Romeo Lavia

Romeo Lavia was recently spotted in training. He is yet to feature for Chelsea this season.

With Essugo ruled out, Maresca will lean on the 21-year-old to provide cover in the holding midfielder position.

What Maresca said: N/A.

Expected return date: Brentford (A) – Premier League – Saturday, September 13.

Benoit Badiashile

Benoit Badiashile was also recently spotted in training this week, and he'll be hoping to make his first appearance of the campaign at the weekend. With Levi Colwill out for some time, the 24-year-old defender has the chance to become a regular in Maresca's side.

What Maresca said: N/A

Expected return date: Brentford (A) – Premier League – Saturday, September 13.

Levi Colwill

Levi Colwill suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury at the start of pre-season. While Maresca will desperately miss the 22-year-old defender, he won't want to rush him back and risk aggravating the issue.

What Maresca said: "Levi's injury is ACL injury, so it is not one month or two months, it is six, seven or eight months. For sure, he will be back but it is not something we are worried about."

Expected return date: Unknown.

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