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

Blues fitness woes are easing as the festive period approaches

Liam Delay remains sidelined, but Maresca has suggested that the shoulder injury is not as bad as first feared, while there has also been clarify on Dario Essugo’s injury setback.

With that in mind, here is the latest Chelsea injury news and return dates…

Cole Palmer

The Blues’ talisman started and scored against Everton, but was again taken off before the hour mark as he continues to build up his fitness.

It was Palmer’s first goal for Chelsea since his niggly injury saw him sidelined in September.

Speaking after the game, Palmer confirmed that he was still injured and his recovery was a “day-to-day thing.”

He told BBC Sport: "I wouldn't say I'm at my best yet. I'm still dealing with an injury. Hopefully it gets better and better but there's still a bit to go.

"It is getting better. The stuff I've been doing with the physios at the club. It's just a matter of not doing too much too soon.

"Literally, it's just a day-by-day thing. Hopefully it gets better."

Potential return date: Newcastle (a) on December 20, 2025

Liam Delap

The striker is set for another extended spell on the sidelines this season, after suffering a shoulder injury against Bournemouth earlier in December.

Delap had to be substituted 31 minutes into the 0-0 draw after Cherries defender Marcos Senesi landed awkwardly on him.

Chelsea are hopeful that Delap will have recovered inside four weeks, with the injury not as bad as first feared.

Asked for an updated return timeline on Friday, Maresca said: "We don't know yet [how long he will be out for].

“It can be still two, three, four weeks. We don't know exactly how many days he needs."

Potential return date: Early January 2026

Dario Essugo

Dario Essugo may not feature again before Christmas due to a new injury.

Essugo arrived at Stamford Bridge in the summer, but has seen his progress hampered by a thigh problem suffered in September. A return to training in November was cut short in what was thought a setback.

But Maresca has now confirmed it was a seperate issue. Asked ahead of Saturday’s visit of Everton to Stamford Bridge if the 20-year-old will play before Christmas, Maresca replied: “I don’t know. I don’t have information. I know that he’s better.

“It’s not the same injury that he had in the past. It’s something small and it will be a short time.”

Potential return date: January 2026

Romeo Lavia

Romeo Lavia has had no luck with injuries during his time at Chelsea so far, making only 29 appearances since moving from Southampton in a £53million transfer in the summer of 2023.

His latest setback came in the Champions League clash away at Qarabag on November 5 and Enzo Maresca has recently delivered a rather concerning update regarding the midfielder.

Pushed on whether Lavia is expected to be a short-term or long-term absentee, Maresca replied: “We don't know.”

Potential return date: Unknown

Levi Colwill

Levi Colwill will miss most, if not all, of the season due to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.

The defender picked up the devastating injury shortly after Chelsea’s return for pre-season training at Cobham in August, following the Club World Cup win.

Colwill soon after underwent surgery and is expected to be sidelined for much of the campaign.

Potential return date: Spring/summer 2026