Enzo Maresca provides injury update on Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro ahead of Wolves clash | OneFootball

Chelsea Injury Update: Enzo Maresca Faces Key Fitness Concerns

Chelsea’s strong start under Enzo Maresca has hit a setback following their surprise 2-1 home defeat to Sunderland. The Italian coach’s second season in charge has already been shaped by an expanding injury list, testing his squad depth as the Blues balance recovery timelines with maintaining form.

Joao Pedro Managing Injury Concerns

Joao Pedro lasted 85 minutes against Sunderland before being withdrawn, but Enzo Maresca revealed after the game that the Brazilian forward has been managing a knock. Despite being available for selection, he has not trained fully in recent weeks.

“Joao has not been training every day because he is managing a little bit, himself, from an injury. Mo is the same, Enzo is exactly the same,” said Maresca. “We have four or five players that, unfortunately, because of some problems, they cannot work every day and they try to make the effort to play the game. So, Joao, in some games, has been better. Today he struggled a little bit, but today, I think, overall, all the players struggled today. So, it’s not just about Joao.”

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Maresca’s comments highlight how Chelsea are balancing match fitness with long-term player welfare, particularly for those returning from or playing through minor issues.

Cole Palmer Set for Longer Lay-Off

Cole Palmer’s absence has been a major frustration. Initially expected back after the international break, the midfielder’s recovery from a persistent groin injury has taken longer than anticipated.

“I was wrong. Unfortunately, he needs to be out probably six more weeks,” Maresca admitted. “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.”

With a possible return pencilled in for December, Maresca will be hoping Palmer’s creativity is restored before the festive fixture congestion.

Liam Delap Nears Return to Action

After two months out with a hamstring issue, Liam Delap is edging closer to his comeback. The striker trained with the squad this week, and Maresca expects him to be in contention soon.

“Liam took part in the session yesterday with the team for the first time, so he’s not going to be available [to face Fulham], but probably for the next match,” Maresca explained. “The first time [the medical team] said to me that he could be available for the 25th of October, so today is the 24th … he can be available [to face Wolves].”

Delap’s physicality and direct style could prove valuable as Chelsea aim to recover momentum in front of goal.

Other Key Absences

Benoit Badiashile remains sidelined with a muscle problem after making an encouraging start to the season. Maresca confirmed he will be out until December, describing the setback as “a muscle problem” and adding that “we’re going to wait for him.”

Meanwhile, Dario Essugo continues his recovery from thigh surgery suffered with Portugal Under-21s, with January 2026 the earliest return date expected. Levi Colwill’s anterior cruciate ligament injury is the most severe, ruling him out for the season and next summer’s World Cup.

As Chelsea prepare for a testing winter schedule, Maresca must again rely on his tactical discipline and squad adaptability to keep the club’s ambitions on track amid ongoing injury pressures.