Chelsea injury update: Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, and Romeo Lavia latest news and return dates | OneFootball

The Blues are facing a considerable injury list as a first Champions League outing of the season looms

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Chelsea fell to a disappointing 2-2 draw at Brentford on Saturday night, but the result brought with it a mixed bag of injury news.

With a first Champions League outing of the season looming large in midweek, Enzo Maresca’s men are facing a race against time to return to fitness before flying to Munich.

Here’s all the latest Chelsea injury news...

Joao Pedro

Joao Pedro has been a revelation since joining Chelsea from Brighton this summer, but Maresca gave a concerning update on his fitness after Saturday’s draw with Brentford.

He admitted that, despite starting the match and playing 79 minutes, the player was ‘not fully fit’ following the international break.

Maresca said: “Joao Pedro, before the game, told me that he was not fit 100 per cent, better [that he] doesn't play.

“So if I was thinking about Bayern Munich, Joao would be on the bench. But Joao played because the focus was about tonight. But for sure, when you have so many games, you have to plan a different option.”

It is hoped Pedro will be available for Chelsea’s midweek trip to Munich.

Potential return date: September 17, 2025 vs Bayern Munich (A)

Estevao

Chelsea’s Brazilian wonderkid Estevao was another absentee as the Blues drew with Brentford.

Standard Sport understands he fell ill while on international duty last week and did not make the matchday squad for the Blues’ trip to the Gtech Community Stadium as a result.

No update has yet been provided as to when he could return to action.

Potential return date: Unknown

Estevao and Joao Pedro’s involvement against Bayern Munich could be in doubt

Action Images via Reuters

Dario Essugo

Dario Essugo seemed to have made a promising start to his Chelsea career, but was sidelined by a thigh injury picked up on international duty with Portugal’s Under-21s.

He went under the knife and is expected to be out until the turn of the year.

Chelsea said in a statement: “Midfielder Dario Essugo has undergone successful surgery today on his thigh.

“The 20-year-old sustained the injury whilst on international duty for Portugal's Under-21s.

“Medical assessments confirmed surgery would be the required course of action and Dario will now begin his recovery at Cobham, supported by the club's medical department.”

Potential return date: Early 2026

Liam Delap

Another summer signing struck down with an unfortunate early injury, Liam Delap is due to be out for some time with a hamstring injury sustained chasing a long ball as Fulham visited Stamford Bridge in August.

He was immediately withdrawn, sparking a chaotic transfer saga in which Nicolas Jackson’s move to Bayern Munich was almost called off.

He is expected to be out until December.

Potential return date: Late 2025

Romeo Lavia

Romeo Lavia’s time at Chelsea has been defined by injuries, and the new season has been no different.

The Belgian has not appeared for the Blues since the Club World Cup after contracting a mystery muscle issue.

It is hoped he will return to play this autumn.

Potential return date: September/October

Nearing a return: Benoit Badiashile

Chelsea FC via Getty Images

Benoit Badiashile

As with Romeo Lavia, French centre-back Benoit Badiashile is suffering from an unspecified injury contracted at the Club World Cup.

He is thought to be working towards a return, and was pictured in full team training ahead of Chelsea’s trip to Brentford.

Maresca hopes Badiashile will be closer to returning after the international break, but doesn’t expect him back straightaway.