Latest Chelsea injury news and return dates as Cole Palmer dilemma explained before Brighton game

Chelsea could be without as many as six players when they face Brighton this weekend. The Blues returned to winning ways on Tuesday night as they defeated Lincoln City in the Carabao Cup third round.

Enzo Maresca made several changes to his starting lineup at the LNER Stadium. In what was Chelsea's third game in just nine days, he fielded an entirely new frontline and handed Andrey Santos a maiden start, while Wesley Fofana completed 90 minutes for the first time since November last year.

The Blues boss also took the opportunity to rest Moises Caicedo, Reece James and Joao Pedro ahead of Saturday afternoon's clash against Brighton. Chelsea have beaten the Seagulls in each of their last three meetings at Stamford Bridge.

While the west London outfit may fancy their chances, they're set to be without some big names. So, with that being said, football.london has rounded up all the latest Chelsea injury news.

Cole Palmer

Palmer was forced to come off during the first half of Chelsea's clash against Manchester United due to a groin injury. The 23-year-old midfielder was omitted from the squad that faced Lincoln City in the Carabao Cup third round on Tuesday night.

What Maresca has said: "He did already a huge effort on last Saturday to try to play the game. Again, he tried Saturday morning, he did the test, he was okay, but not 100 per cent. But he wants to be there to help teammates to be there in that kind of game.

"But unfortunately, then we had 10 players, and also it was painful, so we decided to change it. And it's more day by day, week by week, game by game to see how it is and decide what we do.

"The medical staff, they didn't mention to me about surgery until today [meaning there has been no chat about it up until this point]. I don't know if in the next days or the next weeks, but I don't think so, to be honest."

Expected return date: Unknown.

Romeo Lavia

Lavia has recently returned to training, but he's yet to feature for Chelsea this season. In fact, the 21-year-old midfielder hasn't played since the Blues stormed past Benfica in the Club World Cup round of 16 in late June.

What Maresca has said: "No, no, they (Lavia and Badiashile) are not back for this game (against Lincoln City), unfortunately. They both took part in the session yesterday. That is good news. Hopefully, they can be available very soon, but they are not available for tomorrow."

Expected return date: Brighton (H) – Premier League – Saturday, September 27.

Benoit Badiashile

Badiashile has also been back in training, and he'll be hoping to make his first appearance of the season this weekend. Like Lavia, the 24-year-old defender has not played for Chelsea since late June.

What Maresca has said: "No, no, they (Lavia and Badiashile) are not back for this game (against Lincoln City), unfortunately. They both took part in the session yesterday. That is good news. Hopefully, they can be available very soon, but they are not available for tomorrow."

Expected return date: Brighton (H) – Premier League – Saturday, September 27.

Liam Delap

Delap suffered a hamstring injury during Chelsea's 2-0 win over Fulham just before the last international break. Fortunately, the 22-year-old striker, whom the Blues signed from Ipswich Town for £30m in the summer, did not require surgery on the issue.

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

Expected return date: November.

Dario Essugo

Essugo suffered a thigh injury during the last international break. The club confirmed that the Portugal Under-21, who Chelsea signed from Sporting CP this summer, underwent surgery, and he's been enrolled on a rehabilitation programme at Cobham training ground.

What Maresca has said: N/A

Expected return date: Early 2026.

Levi Colwill

Colwill suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury at the start of pre-season. Maresca will desperately miss the 22-year-old defender, but the Chelsea boss 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: April.