Chelsea dealt worrying injury update on six players ahead of Ajax clash | OneFootball

Chelsea Injury Update: Enzo Maresca Faces Another Fitness Challenge Ahead of Ajax Clash

Chelsea’s preparations for their midweek Champions League meeting with Ajax have again been overshadowed by an injury list that feels as relentless as their fixture schedule. Enzo Maresca, now in his second season in charge, continues to navigate a campaign where recovery and rotation have become as much a part of the job as tactics and team selection.

Squad resilience amid setbacks

Despite the setbacks, Chelsea have maintained momentum, winning four of their last five matches in all competitions. The Blues briefly climbed into the Premier League’s top four at the weekend, having rediscovered form in Europe and booked their place in the Carabao Cup last 16, where they will face Wolves.

However, discipline and fitness remain key concerns. Malo Gusto will serve a suspension for Saturday’s league match against Sunderland following a red card in the 3-0 win at Nottingham Forest, leaving Maresca to once again juggle his options. Pedro Neto and Josh Acheampong started that game, with Moises Caicedo coming off the bench, while Reece James and Joao Pedro were fit to start. Trevoh Chalobah also returned, though Wesley Fofana was rested after a concussion recovery, and Mykhailo Mudryk continues to be unavailable.

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Enzo Fernandez fitness in question

Enzo Fernandez was withdrawn from Argentina’s squad earlier this month due to inflammation in his right knee and did not feature against Forest. Maresca described the issue as minor but uncertain over his availability for Ajax.

“Enzo had small problem,” Maresca said. “A small problem that at the moment we are not able to say if he can be available for Ajax or not.”

The midfielder’s absence has been felt in Chelsea’s rhythm, with Fernandez playing a key role in linking midfield to attack. His potential return could come as early as the midweek European fixture or the home match against Sunderland, but no definite timeline has been confirmed.

Potential return date: Unknown, possibly Wednesday October 22 (vs Ajax, H) or Saturday October 25 (vs Sunderland, H)

Palmer and Badiashile facing extended layoffs

Cole Palmer’s frustrating groin injury continues to keep him sidelined, with the forward’s recovery slower than initially hoped.

“I was wrong. Unfortunately he needs to be out probably six more weeks,” Maresca said.

“Yes, absolutely [he still doesn’t need surgery]. We try just to protect Cole as much as we can and the most important thing is that. Unfortunately the medical staff, they are not magicians, they never know that you probably need six weeks. We hope that six weeks, they are enough, but it’s a problem that we need to see step by step, week after week, but for sure he’s going to be okay.”

Palmer, who looked sharp early in the season, is targeting a return in early December. Meanwhile, Benoit Badiashile, who impressed before his latest setback, has been ruled out until December with a muscular problem.

“Benoit will be out until December, injury again,” Maresca confirmed. “A muscle problem. He was doing fantastic, he showed all of this, he showed how he needed, and we’re going to wait for him.”

Potential return date (Palmer): Early DecemberPotential return date (Badiashile): December

Long-term concerns for Delap, Essugo and Colwill

Liam Delap remains unavailable after suffering a hamstring injury in August’s 2-0 win over Fulham. His absence deprives Chelsea of another attacking option.

“Liam I think is around 10-12 weeks [out], so a long way to go,” Maresca said.

Potential return date: Early December

New signing Dario Essugo’s thigh injury, sustained with Portugal Under-21s, required surgery and is expected to keep him out until January, while Levi Colwill’s ACL injury means his season is effectively over. The defender is making gradual progress in the gym but will likely not return until late spring or summer 2026.

Potential return dates:Essugo – JanuaryColwill – Spring/Summer 2026

Looking ahead

Maresca’s Chelsea are showing fight and flexibility, yet injuries continue to shape their campaign. With Ajax visiting and Sunderland looming, managing minutes and maintaining momentum will be crucial. If the manager can keep his team competing through this testing period, Chelsea’s resilience could yet define their season more than their injury list.