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

Blues dealt fresh fitness concern in Champions League clash

Chelsea have been handed a fresh injury concern ahead of a big few games for Liam Rosenior.

Both Filip Jorgensen and Reece James were withdrawn at half-time during the Pafos match, sparking concern among supporters.

It was not all bad news at Stamford Bridge in midweek, though, as both Estevao and Jamie Gittens returned from illness to feature off the bench.

Chelsea travel to Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday before going to Napoli in their final Champions League league phase game next Wednesday.

Here’s the latest Chelsea injury news and potential return dates...

Cole Palmer

Palmer completed the full 90 minutes against Brentford but sparked concern at full-time when he was spotted on the floor feeling his heavily-strapped groin.

The 23-year-old has struggled with a persistent groin injury this season, as well as thigh and toe problems.

Cole Palmer has struggled with a persistent groin injury this season

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Palmer tucked away his penalty but he did not look fully fit against Brentford.

He played no part against Pafos on Wednesday, with Rosenior later confirming he missed out with a minor issue.

Standard Sport understands he was dealing with a thigh strain unrelated to the groin problem which has kept him sidelined for long stretches of the season.

Rosenior said of Palmer’s absence: “Precautionary. He felt something really, really minor in the game against Brentford.

“It was actually quite early in the game, so credit to him to keep going through it. But I don’t want to risk any players at this stage, especially players of Cole’s quality.

“He has got a really good chance to be involved and start the game on Sunday. We will keep preparing him for that.”

Potential return date: January 25 vs Crystal Palace (A)

Reece James

Hands were set wringing among the Chelsea faithful as Reece James, notably injury-prone for so much of his time with the club, was withdrawn at half-time against Pafos.

After a quiet first half, it was feared he may have suffered a new injury, but Rosenior was quick to allay any concerns as he spoke at full-time.

James’ minutes have been managed throughout this campaign, and Rosenior admitted he had planned to withdraw the club captain at the half-way stage.

“Yeah, [managing] minutes,” he said. “And making sure that he's prepared for we're playing Wednesday, Saturday, Wednesday, Saturday.

“I want to make sure Reece is available as much as possible because he's an outstanding player and he's a leader in our group.”

Potential return date: January 25 vs Crystal Palace (A)

Captain fantastic: Reece James

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Filip Jorgensen

Second-choice goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen has struggled to unseat Robert Sanchez this season, but was handed a rare start for the visit of Pafos.

He was hardly involved before half-time as the Cypriot side struggled to attack, tallying just nine touches of the ball.

The Dane came off at the break, though, having signalled to the bench that he was feeling some discomfort.

Rosenior kept his cards close to his chest when explaining the extent of Jorgensen’s problem: “Yeah, unfortunately he picked something up.

“Devastating for him because he's really impressed me in his time. Not just the game at Charlton, but how he's trained.

“Hopefully Filip can get better really, really quick.”

Potential return date: Unknown

Sidelined: Filip Jorgensen

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Tosin Adarabioyo

Brought into the team against Brentford, Tosin Adarabioyo put in a strong performance and dealt calmly with plenty of the Bees’ aerial deliveries.

But he was withdrawn just before the hour mark after receiving treatment for an apparent hamstring injury.

The centre-back walked off the field unaided to be replaced by Wesley Fofana, a possible good sign that the issue was not too severe.

Speaking after the match, Rosenior said the decision to substitute Adarabioyo was “precautionary”.

He added: “[Tosin] said he felt something in his hamstring. I don’t know if it’s serious. He said it felt better afterwards.”

Potential return date: Unknown

Romeo Lavia

Romeo Lavia has missed much of the season with various different injury issues, the latest of which first reared its head in the Champions League match at Qarabag back in November.

Rosenior more recently confirmed that Lavia has returned to solo training at Cobham, but there was still no solid timeframe for his return.

“Romeo is on the pitch, he’s not with the group yet, but we can see him out on the grass doing his rehab,” the Chelsea manager said.

“He is looking really, really good. The most important thing for him now is to make sure we don't push him too hard, so that when he does come back, he's back for good.”

Potential return date: Unknown

Levi Colwill

Levi Colwill is still recovering from his serious knee injury.

The defender tore his ACL in pre-season and is continuing his rehabilitation after surgery.

Potential return date: Spring/summer 2026