Five Chelsea stars set to miss Sunderland clash through injury | OneFootball

Chelsea Injury Update and Squad Outlook Under Enzo Maresca

Chelsea return to Premier League duty against Sunderland at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, with confidence flowing after a strong run of results. Victories over Liverpool and Sunderland have lifted the Blues to fifth place, and another win could push Enzo Maresca’s team into the top two. A 5-1 Champions League triumph over Ajax added further momentum, although several fitness problems continue to shape team selection. This Chelsea injury update outlines the latest on key absentees and potential return dates, as Maresca navigates a demanding schedule that includes matches with Tottenham, Barcelona and Arsenal in November.

Cole Palmer Set for Longer Spell Out

Cole Palmer’s groin issue has been a concern throughout the campaign. He has been out of action since limping off during the defeat at Manchester United last month. Initially, Chelsea hoped he would return shortly after the October international break, but Maresca has since confirmed a significant delay to his recovery.

“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.

“He looks very good, to be honest, he looks relaxed. He’s trying to recover from the injury, he’s doing all the therapy that he needs to do, so he looks good.”

This news means Palmer is unlikely to feature until early December. His creativity and composure in attacking areas have been essential to Chelsea’s build,up play and his absence will once again test squad depth.

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Defensive Concerns Grow with Benoit Badiashile

Benoit Badiashile’s season has been disrupted by setbacks and he has made only three Chelsea appearances so far. His latest muscular issue came after the dramatic win over Liverpool. Although there was hope that the problem was minor, Maresca offered a realistic update.

“Benoit will be out until December, injury again,” Maresca said before the trip to the City Ground.

“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.”

The French defender’s athleticism and reading of danger have been missed. With a heavy fixture schedule and rotation required, his absence means further responsibility lies on Thiago Silva, Wesley Fofana and Axel Disasi.

Attacking Options Reduced with Liam Delap and Dario Essugo Out

Liam Delap impressed at the Club World Cup but managed only three league appearances before suffering a hamstring injury against Fulham in late August. His spell on the sidelines is also lengthy.

“Liam I think is around 10 to 12 weeks [out], so a long way to go,” Maresca said in the middle of September.

Delap is expected back in early December, along with Palmer and Badiashile, which could provide Chelsea with a welcome boost during the festive period.

Dario Essugo, signed from Sporting in the summer, has not yet featured. A thigh injury with Portugal Under 21s training led to surgery, and reports suggest he may not return until January. The teenager remains viewed as a long,term project, which reduces the immediate impact of his absence.

Long Term Wait for Levi Colwill

Levi Colwill’s anterior cruciate ligament injury in early August has ruled him out for most of the season. After surgery, he has only recently returned to gym work. His target is to feature before the campaign ends, although a realistic return might be summer 2026.

Maresca’s second season at Chelsea has already delivered progress and improved football, but this injury list serves as a reminder of the delicate balance required to remain competitive on several fronts. If his key players return on schedule in December, Chelsea could be well positioned for a strong second half of the season.