Chelsea injury latest on Palmer, Neto and Enzo as squad problems mount | OneFootball

Chelsea Injuries Shape Maresca’s Plans Ahead of Premier League Return

Chelsea return from the final international break of 2025 with a renewed sense of purpose and a lengthy medical report that reflects both relief and lingering jeopardy. The club have endured a turbulent season marked by untimely setbacks, yet there is cautious optimism as several key figures edge closer to availability. As Enzo Maresca guides his squad into a demanding spell of fixtures, the management of fitness could define Chelsea’s momentum more than any tactical blueprint. This latest update provides a comprehensive look at who is nearing a comeback, who remains sidelined and what it all means for the weeks ahead.

Cole Palmer Nears Pivotal Return

The biggest boost concerns Cole Palmer, whose creativity and precision have been sorely missed in recent weeks. Chelsea are pushing to have the playmaker ready for their Champions League meeting with Barcelona, a fixture that could influence their trajectory in Europe. Palmer has been struggling with a recurring groin issue since the Club World Cup, a problem that has dogged him throughout the autumn. According to Standard Sport, it is still the hope of both player and club that he will be ready in time for the Barcelona showdown.

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A cameo against Burnley has not been dismissed completely although the focus remains fixed on returning him for European action. Chelsea have lacked fluency in the final third without him so his return would represent a significant step forward.

Potential return date: 25 November 2025 vs Barcelona (H)

Pedro Neto And Jamie Gittens Offer Encouraging Signs

Pedro Neto’s withdrawal from international duty earlier this month sparked concern, particularly given the form he has shown since joining Chelsea. The winger, who was replaced in the 77th minute of Chelsea’s 3-0 win over Wolves, has been managing a groin issue. After conversations between Chelsea and the Portuguese Football Federation, he was allowed to return to Cobham to continue treatment.

“Pedro Neto and Pedro Goncalves have been released from the national team for the matches against the Republic of Ireland and Armenia,” the official statement from FPF reads.“The Portuguese international winger will not join Martinez’s squad, in a decision made jointly by Chelsea’s medical department and the FPF’s Health and Performance Department, due to physical problems that limit the player.”

There is confidence that this period of rest will be enough to clear the issue and have him ready for the trip to Burnley.

Potential return date: 22 November 2025 vs Burnley (A)

Jamie Gittens, meanwhile, provided a scare during England Under 21s’ win over the Republic of Ireland. The winger was forced off just after the hour mark in challenging conditions at St Andrew’s after appearing to take a knock while attempting to avoid a tackle. He headed down the tunnel immediately although early fears have subsided.

Reports now indicate that the injury was minor and Gittens is expected to continue with England’s Under 21 squad for their clash against Slovakia. Chelsea will still monitor him closely as his pace and directness have become increasingly valuable.

Potential return date: 22 November 2025 vs Burnley (A)

Midfield Concerns With Fernandez And Lavia

Enzo Fernandez continues to manage a knee problem that has troubled him for the past four months. The midfielder substituted himself during the win over Wolves and later confirmed he would not join Argentina for their international fixtures.

“I will not be available with Argentina,” Fernandez said. “I was just talking to the medical team because I had a problem with my knee in the last 4 months. I came with a bone edema that got worse in the last weeks and months because we played a lot of games. I think the most important thing is coming to the end of the season and I think it’s good to make this decision together. Always respecting the doctors and everything.”

His return date remains uncertain although Chelsea hope that rest will ease the discomfort.

Potential return date: Unknown

Romeo Lavia’s misfortune continued after lasting just five minutes in the 2-2 draw with Qarabag. His thigh injury, suffered without contact, prompted immediate concern and the midfielder was withdrawn straight away. Lavia has now been ruled out for at least a month, meaning he will miss key domestic and European fixtures including the Barcelona double header and the clash with Arsenal.

Potential return date: December 2025

Long Term Issues In Defence

Chelsea’s defensive options have been tested for much of the season and the updates provide a mixed picture. Benoit Badiashile remains out with a muscle problem after previously impressing in appearances against Benfica and Liverpool. The Frenchman has missed seven consecutive matches although Maresca has suggested he is close to returning.

Speaking earlier in October, Maresca said: “Benoit will be out until December, injury again. 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.”

Potential return date: December 2025

Further down the line, Dario Essugo continues his recovery from thigh surgery sustained while on duty with Portugal Under 21s. Although no official schedule has been provided, reports indicate he could return early in the new year.

Potential return date: January 2026

Chelsea will be without Levi Colwill for most of the campaign after he ruptured his ACL during pre season. The defender underwent surgery in August and is now on a long term rehabilitation plan.

Potential return date: Summer 2026

Joao Pedro And Estevao Willian Push Forward

The international break offered one more shaft of encouragement for Chelsea as Joao Pedro featured in Brazil’s 2-0 win over Senegal despite suffering a recent knock. His participation suggests he is nearing full fitness and he is expected to play in Brazil’s friendly against Tunisia. Maresca will hope both Joao Pedro and Estevao Willian come back without complications as both could be important attacking components against Burnley.

For a squad that have battled persistent physical issues since early autumn, these updates provide a rare moment of clarity. Chelsea still face uncertainty over Fernandez and Lavia but several influential players are working their way back at a crucial point in the season. With the Champions League resuming and the Premier League tightening, Maresca will need every option available as Chelsea aim to rediscover consistency.