Chelsea injury update: Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo and Reece James latest news and return dates | OneFootball

Blues set for fitness boosts after the international break

Your matchday briefing on Chelsea, featuring team news and expert analysis from Dom Smith

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Enzo Maresca is set to be boosted by a raft of returnees as Chelsea visit Nottingham Forest this weekend.

Forest are struggling under new head coach Ange Postecoglou, who is reportedly on the brink of the sack after failing to win any of his first seven matches.

Chelsea’s fitness record has been poor this season but the storm seems to be slowly passing. That is particularly true in defence, where three centre-backs could return to the fold at the City Ground on Saturday.

Here's all the latest Chelsea injury news and return dates...

Cole Palmer

Cole Palmer has been in and out of the squad this season as he deals with a niggling groin strain.

He was subsequently ruled out of England’s recent matches against Wales and Latvia, with Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel warning his injury could become “chronic” if not properly treated.

After speaking with Chelsea’s medical team, Tuchel added he did not expect Palmer to be fit to face Nottingham Forest: “It would surprise me this time if he was able to play.”

Potential return date: November

Recurring: Cole Palmer was substituted with a groin injury against Man United

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Moises Caicedo

Moises Caicedo has been formidable this season but was among the handful of Chelsea stars who missed international duty this month, skipping Ecuador’s friendlies against the United States and Mexico.

He is understood to have been playing through a knock for some time and Maresca convinced Ecuador boss Sebastian Beccacece to allow the player to rest in this international break.

Beccacece explained Caicedo’s non-selection: “About Moises, his coach [Maresca] said he’s injured. He’s not well.”

After a fortnight of recovery, it is hoped he will be available to face Forest.

Potential return date: October 18, vs Nottingham Forest (A)

Reece James

Chelsea’s dramatic 2-1 win over Liverpool was marred somewhat when it transpired Reece James had suffered a new injury in the match, which forced him to withdraw from the England squad.

But it is understood that the decision for James to miss matches against Wales and Latvia was precautionary, and that the injury is not a serious one.

Potential return date: October 18, vs Nottingham Forest (A)

Reece James withdrew from England duty with an injury after playing 90 minutes against Liverpool

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Enzo Fernandez

Enzo Fernandez became a victim of the international break, leaving the Argentina camp early with swelling in his right knee.

He was replaced by Alexis Mac Allister 12 minutes from time as Argentina edged past Venezuela 1-0, and returned to Cobham before their 6-0 friendly defeat of Puerto Rico.

Photos have emerged of Fernandez wearing strapping on the affected leg in Argentina training, but the severity of his injury is not yet known.

Potential return date: Unknown

Benoit Badiashile

Benoit Badiashile made a composed return to Chelsea’s starting line-up against Benfica after three months on the sidelines, but he limped off after 55 minutes as the Blues beat Liverpool the following weekend.

Chelsea assistant coach Willy Caballero was quick to allay fears he had relapsed.

“It was just prevention,” he said of Badiashile’s early withdrawal. “We spoke with them (Badiashile and Josh Acheampong) already and they said that they are okay, so [it is] good for us.”

Potential return date: October 18, vs Nottingham Forest (A)

Joao Pedro

Joao Pedro was not named in Brazil’s squad for their October tour of Asia, leaving him to a restful fortnight in west London.

He had also been playing through a knock in the weeks leading up to the October break, telling Maresca ahead of Chelsea’s 2-2 draw away at Brentford that he was “not 100 per cent fit.” He was named to the starting line-up regardless.

Now goalless in eight appearances, he will hope to make an impression at the City Ground.

Potential return date: October 18, vs Nottingham Forest (A)

Joao Pedro last scored for Chelsea against Fulham in August

Chelsea FC via Getty Images

Andrey Santos

As with his countryman Joao Pedro, Andrey Santos was left out of Brazil’s squad to face South Korea and Japan this month.

He is dealing with a muscular injury in his thigh and has failed to appear for the club since their home defeat to Brighton in late September.

Speaking after beating Benfica 1-0 in the Champions League, Maresca said he would not return until after the international break, but it is not clear whether he will be ready to return to action as Chelsea visit Nottingham Forest.

Potential return date: late October/Early November

Wesley Fofana

Wesley Fofana’s return to the fold at Chelsea after a lengthy injury layoff was cut short as he started in defence for the Blues’ Carabao Cup visit to Lincoln.

He was collateral damage as Filip Jorgensen made a clumsy high claim mere minutes into the match, coming away with a concussion.

He has now completed his required 12-day recovery period and returned to training at Cobham during the international break.

Potential return date: October 18, vs Nottingham Forest (A)

Collateral damage: Filip Jorgensen and Wesley Fofana collide

AFP via Getty Images

Tosin Adarabioyo

Chelsea’s centre-back injury crisis was compounded ahead of the Liverpool match by the news that Tosin Adarabioyo had suffered a minor calf injury.

Maresca said: “[Adarabioyo] will probably be out until the international break. He has a small injury in his calf.”

Potential return date: October 18, vs Nottingham Forest (A)

Liam Delap

Liam Delap remains in recovery after tearing his hamstring against Fulham earlier this season. He is expected to make his return to the pitch towards the end of the year.

Potential return date: Late 2025

Dario Essugo

Dario Essugo is also continuing to recover after undergoing surgery on a thigh injury sustained on international duty. His recovery period has been mooted at 12 weeks, meaning he will likely be sidelined until the new year.

Potential return date: Early 2026

Levi Colwill

Levi Colwill is not expected to return until the latter stages of this season after undergoing surgery on a torn ACL in pre-season.

Potential return date: Spring 2026