Chelsea injury latest: Cole Palmer and more | OneFootball

Chelsea injuries cast long shadow over Napoli test

Chelsea’s revival has arrived with a familiar caveat. Results are improving, confidence is returning, but the injury list remains stubbornly long, a reminder that momentum in modern football is rarely uninterrupted. As the Blues prepare for a defining Champions League trip to Naples, fitness has become as important as form.

The latest wins have carried encouragement. The London derby was navigated without Cole Palmer, an absence that could have destabilised a less confident side. Instead, Estevao, Joao Pedro and Enzo Fernandez stepped into the light, offering a glimpse of depth and adaptability. It marked Chelsea’s first away Premier League win since November and another step forward under Liam Rosenior, whose early tenure continues to gather quiet momentum.

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Yet the context sharpens quickly. Chelsea travel to the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium on Wednesday sitting eighth in the 36 team Champions League table. It is a precarious position, just enough to avoid the play offs but vulnerable to the slightest slip. With margins tight, this is effectively a must win if Chelsea are to avoid two extra fixtures next month. Against Napoli, there will be little room for compromise.

Palmer fitness central to Chelsea plans

Cole Palmer’s situation has become symbolic of Chelsea’s balancing act. He missed the Champions League clash against Pafos and the league win over Crystal Palace due to an ongoing thigh issue, part of a broader effort to manage his workload after what has been described as a “minor” injury.

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In truth, Palmer has been playing through discomfort for much of the campaign. A groin problem has lingered in the background, becoming more apparent towards the end of the game with Brentford. He was initially expected to return at Selhurst Park, but Rosenior offered a more cautious update before kick off.

“Unfortunately for us, Cole is not quite right for this one,” he said. “I’ve said before in press conferences, he want to make sure that every player is at 100%. There’s no use risking players in January for what we want to achieve. He has got a little niggle. He’s not quite 100%, but he has got a chance for Wednesday. Hopefully he will be back for then.”

Chelsea will cling to that hope, aware of Palmer’s influence on tempo and incision.

Potential return date: January 28 vs Napoli (A)

Defensive and goalkeeping issues deepen concerns

Further back, Tosin Adarabioyo’s absence removes another layer of stability. Withdrawn as a precaution against Brentford, he was later diagnosed with a hamstring injury. Rosenior confirmed the news with a familiar note of frustration.

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“Tosin won’t be available for this game,” he said. “Unfortunately, he felt something in his hamstring, which is going to rule him out for the next few weeks. I can’t be any more precise than that at this moment in terms of any timelines.”

That leaves Chelsea light defensively at a time when structure will matter most in Naples.

Potential return date: February 13 v Hull (A)

In goal, Filip Jorgensen added to the list when he was substituted at half time against Pafos after starting ahead of Robert Sanchez. Initial fears have eased, however, with Rosenior offering a more positive assessment.

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“Jorgensen had his scan, which is actually quite positive and not as bad as we feared. He won’t be available for Palace, but could be potentially for Napoli.”

That uncertainty still lingers, but it offers Chelsea at least a measure of relief.

Potential return date: January 28 v Napoli (A)

Midfield setbacks test squad depth

Dario Essugo’s injury felt particularly cruel. Slipping in training, he faces a spell on the sidelines that disrupts both his development and Chelsea’s rotation options.

“Dario has picked up a really unfortunate injury,” Rosenior said. “He slipped in training, and he’s going to be out for a while. We expect him to be out for over a month, which is a real shame because he’s an outstanding player.”

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Romeo Lavia’s return remains a work in progress. Sidelined since November with a thigh injury, he has resumed light training but is not yet involved with the first team. Rosenior has been careful to frame his recovery around sustainability rather than speed.

“Romeo is on the way back, which is great because he’s a very good, outstanding player at a very high level,” he said. “I want him back as quickly as possible, of course, but I want him back with no more injuries. We don’t want to force him, we want him back where he can get into a flow of repetitive game time.”

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Potential return dates:Essugo: MarchLavia: February 21 vs Burnley (H)

Levi Colwill’s absence is the longest running. Recovering from a serious knee injury suffered in pre season, his focus remains firmly on long term recovery rather than short term targets.

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Potential return date: Spring or summer 2026

Chelsea’s challenge now is to ensure that injury management does not blunt ambition. Naples will test resolve, organisation and depth in equal measure. For Rosenior, progress depends not only on who is available, but on how carefully he navigates those who are not.