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

Blues look set to be without Cole Palmer for Carabao Cup tie on Tuesday night

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Chelsea have suffered a fresh injury blow just days before the start of their Carabao Cup campaign.

That made it back-to-back losses for the Blues following a 3-1 reverse against Bayern Munich on their return to the Champions League.

To make matters worse, Robert Sanchez will be suspended for the trip to Sincil Bank because of suspension after the goalkeeper was sent-off after just five minutes at Old Trafford.

Cole Palmer started at Old Trafford but was forced off after just 20 minutes as a troublesome groin injury flared up again.

Maresca later revealed that the attacking midfielder, who also starred in the Allianz Arena three days prior, wasn’t fully fit ahead of the Man United game in a decision that backfired.

“He (Palmer) tried this morning. He had a test this morning to play this game,” said Maresca.

“He was not 100 per cent fit. He made a fantastic effort to play this game, but he was not 100 per cent.

Bad news: Cole Palmer

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“It’s a problem that is already a long time for him, his groin. Again, he did this morning a test. He wants to play this game for the team, to be close. So the effort has been huge from him.

“But then, after 20 minutes, he started to feel something, so we decided to change it.”

It remains to be seen exactly when Palmer will be ready to return, but fans will be hoping he’s doesn’t miss as much time as he did after withdrawing from the line-up minutes before kick-off against West Ham last month.

Potential return date: Unknown

Wesley Fofana

Wesley Fofana’s request to come off in the second half against Manchester United is the reason why Alejandro Garnacho was denied an appearance against his former club.

Maresca said the decision not to send on Garnacho was not impacted by Man United fans giving the winger stick as he warmed up: “No, also because he was ready, and he was ready to go on, and then Wes [Fofana] asked for a change.

It is understandable for the Frenchman to be suffering with fatigue after such a long time out with injury. The good news is he should be fine to face Lincoln in the cup, though it wouldn’t be a surprise if he is rested for that one.

Potential return date: September 23, 2025 vs Lincoln (A)

Dario Essugo

Dario Essugo has had surgery on a thigh injury he suffered on Portugal Under-21s duty earlier in the month.

The £18.5million summer signing felt a “muscle problem in his right thigh” during training, the Portuguese Football Federations revealed.

Chelsea fear Essugo will be ruled out for a minimum of 12 weeks, meaning he may not be available for selection until 2026.

A statement reads: “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

Chelsea’s £30million summer signing pulled up while trying to chase down an early long ball against Fulham before the international break, immediately grabbing his right hamstring and receiving medical attention.

He was forced off just 15 minutes into the game and Maresca said afterwards that it was the sort of injury that usually meant six to eight weeks on the sidelines.

It has since been reported that Chelsea fear Delap could be out for longer than feared as he prepares to undergo a scan, making it very difficult indeed to predict an accurate return date at this stage.

Potential return date: Unknown

Romeo Lavia

The Belgian midfielder has not played for Chelsea since their Club World Cup last-16 win over Benfica in late June, having been struggling with an unspecified muscle issue ever since.

It is hoped he will return to play this autumn.

Potential return date: October

Benoit Badiashile

Badiashile is a very similar case to Lavia, having not played since picking up a similarly unspecified injury against Benfica.

He has been spotted in training as he works his way towards a return, with Chelsea’s defensive ranks already impacted by Levi Colwill’s anterior cruciate ligament injury that will see the latter miss most of the season.

Potential return date: October

Levi Colwill

Levi Colwill was the first victim of Chelsea’s hectic 2025 schedule.

After impressing at the Club World Cup, he picked up an ACL injury in training after returning from a brief summer break and has since undergone surgery.

He is expected to miss most of the 2025-26 season.

A statement published on Chelsea’s official website read: “Defender Levi Colwill has today undergone successful surgery to an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

“Levi will now begin his recovery and be supported by the club's medical department at Cobham during his rehabilitation phase.”