Chelsea injury latest: Cole Palmer, Romeo Lavia and more | OneFootball

Chelsea Injury Latest: Palmer, Cucurella and Lavia Updates Before Burnley

Chelsea return to Premier League duty with familiar optimism and familiar uncertainty. FA Cup progress against Hull City offered encouragement, a 4-0 win that eased the frustration of surrendering a two goal lead in the 2-2 draw with Leeds, yet the underlying theme remains fitness.

Liam Rosenior’s side sit fifth, two points clear of Liverpool and six behind Aston Villa in third. A rare free week, afforded by avoiding a Champions League knockout phase play off, has allowed the manager to recalibrate. The visit of Burnley now looms as an opportunity to consolidate position. It also sharpens focus on the Chelsea injury latest.

Palmer Managed as Squad Rotation Takes Shape

Cole Palmer’s absence against Hull prompted questions. Four goals in his previous two appearances suggested he would start. Instead, he was omitted entirely, a decision framed by workload rather than setback.

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“Managing — managing him,” Rosenior said. “Brilliant to see Reece [James] back on the pitch. Brilliant for him to get those 60 minutes.

“I was planning on giving Enzo [Fernandez] 45 minutes with Moi [Caicedo]. I’m trying to manage their minutes. In the end, I felt it was right for Moi to stay on for 60.

“I’m delighted they’ve all come through unscathed and now, for the first time in a long time, they’ve got a full week to prepare for Burnley.”

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There was no hint of concern. Palmer is expected to return for Burnley at Stamford Bridge. His form has been instrumental in Chelsea’s attacking fluency, and the decision to protect him speaks to longer term thinking rather than short term anxiety.

Cucurella Doubt Clouds Defensive Stability

Marc Cucurella’s situation carries more ambiguity. The left back was forced off at half time against Leeds with a hamstring complaint and missed the win over Hull. In a side where continuity has been elusive, his reliability has been valued.

Rosenior’s assessment was measured. “At the moment he’s not fit. There is an issue with his hamstring.

“I don’t know — I can’t give you a time frame on that at the moment.”

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Unless Cucurella returns to full training, Burnley may come too soon. The Arsenal fixture a week later appears a more realistic target. Given Chelsea’s ambitions, managing muscle injuries carefully is imperative.

Jamie Gittens presents a more significant absence. The winger limped off against West Ham and is facing a prolonged spell out with a tear in his hamstring.

“Jamie is looking a little bit more long-term,” Rosenior said. “That’s a real shame for him as, obviously, I’ve not worked with him for too long, but I know about his career and what an outstanding player he is.

“So that’s going to be a big miss for us.”

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His absence narrows options in wide areas and reduces tactical flexibility.

Lavia and Colwill Offer Longer Term Hope

Romeo Lavia’s rehabilitation offers cautious encouragement. Sidelined since a thigh injury sustained in the 2-2 draw away at Qarabag in November, he has returned to training.

“We have a really detailed plan for him,” Rosenior explained before the Leeds draw. “He was back on the training pitch with us the last two days.

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“It’s been great to see him. He’s been such a great player. We all know that. But what we have to do is make sure that when he’s back, he’s back for good.

“So we’re just making sure that he gets the right plan over the next ten days to two weeks to achieve that.”

March is the projected timeframe. Lavia’s composure in midfield has been missed, particularly in controlling tempo in tight contests.

Levi Colwill continues to recover from a serious knee injury sustained in pre season. Rosenior remains cautious but optimistic.

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“Yes he could [be back before the end of the season] but it’s step by step and I don’t want to make promises that I can’t keep,” he said.

“At the moment, Levi’s in a really good place. He’s on the right track but I don’t want to put pressure on him.

“I spoke to Levi this morning. He’s working so hard and what a professional he is. It’s been brilliant to see him back on the pitch running. He’s itching to get back but we need to make sure he feels 100 per cent perfect.

“He’s another outstanding player I can’t wait to work with and he’s in a really good place. I don’t like putting timeframes on injuries because it puts unnecessary pressure on players when their health is the most important thing.”

May remains realistic. His reintegration could influence the final weeks of the campaign.

Elsewhere, Filip Jorgensen continues rehabilitation after a muscle issue. “Filip’s not fully fit at the moment. He’s working really hard on his rehab,” Rosenior said before Hull. Dario Essugo is expected to miss over a month after slipping in training.

Chelsea’s injury latest reflects a season of management as much as momentum. Burnley’s visit offers a chance to reassert authority. The margin between consolidation and complication remains slim.