Palmer, Caicedo, Pedro - Chelsea injury news and return dates ahead of Benfica

Chelsea will have some key players on the sidelined when they face Benfica in the Champions League on Tuesday night. The Blues go into the game on the back of a 3-1 defeat away at Brighton in the Premier League over the weekend.

Enzo Maresca and Co. will have two reasons to get a victory over Benfica on Tuesday night, with one being to get back to winning ways after their defeat to Brighton and the other to claim their first win in the Champions League this season.

However, Maresca will be forced to name a Chelsea team to face Benfica at Stamford Bridge with some key players unavailable due to injury.

Here, football.london takes a look at the current Chelsea injury list ahead of the Champions League clash against Benfica.

Cole Palmer

Cole Palmer has been struggling with a groin injury for the majority of the season.

Maresca confirmed last week that the decision had been taken to rest Palmer until after the October international break to give the playmaker time to recover from the injury.

Potential return date: Nottingham Forest (A) - October 18

Liam Delap

Liam Delap is suffering from a hamstring injury he picked up before the last international break.

The summer signing is expected to be on the sidelines for up to 12 weeks, meaning a return in either November or December is expected.

Potential return date: November/December

Levi Colwill

Levi Colwill is expected to be on the sidelines for several months as he recovers from an ACL injury he suffered during pre-season training in August.

It remains to be seen if the defender will be able to recover in time to feature for Chelsea before the end of the season.

Potential return date: 2026

Tosin Adarabioyo

Tosin Adarabioyo suffered a calf injury in the days leading up to Chelsea's clash against Brighton at the weekend.

Chelsea will be hopeful that Tosin will recover in time to return some time next month, most likely after the international break.

Potential return date: Nottingham Forest (A) - October 18

Wesley Fofana

Wesley Fofana suffered a concussion during Chelsea's win over Lincoln City in the Carabao Cup last week.

As a result, the defender missed the defeat to Brighton but could make a return to face Benfica in the Champions League.

Potential return date: Benfica (H) - September 30 - Champions League

Joao Pedro

Joao Pedro has emerged as a fitness concern for Chelsea after an update from Maresca.

The Chelsea head coach confirmed that the Blues medical staff will need to conduct more tests on Pedro's fitness to determine if the Brazilian is available to face Benfica.

"This afternoon we're going to assess Moises Caicedo, Joao Pedro and Andrey Santos," said Maresca.

"They are all players unfortunately for us with some small problems. So we'll see if tomorrow they're going to be available."

Potential return date: Benfica (H) - September 30 - Champions League

Wesley Santos

Maresca also confirmed that Wesley Santos also needs to be assessed for his fitness after a concern emerged ahead of the clash against Benfica.

It remains to be seen if Santos will be available for the fixture at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night.

Potential return date: Benfica (H) - September 30 - Champions League

Moises Caicedo

Moises Caicedo has also emerged as a fitness doubt for Chelsea this week, with Maresca stating that the midfielder will also need to undergo further tests.

It remains to be seen if the Ecuador international will be available to face Benfica.

Potential return date: Benfica (H) - September 30 - Champions League

Dario Essugo

Dario Essugo is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a thigh injury earlier this season.

Chelsea confirmed earlier this month that Essugo had undergone successful surgery on the injury and is now in recovery with a view to returning as soon as possible.

Potential return date: Unknown

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