Chelsea await clarity on trio ahead of Premier League return | OneFootball

Chelsea Injury Update on Delap, Palmer, Garnacho and More

Chelsea head into their next Premier League fixture with a mixed picture on player availability as injuries continue to shape Enzo Maresca’s plans. The Blues looked resurgent before the international break, defeating Fulham 2-0 at Stamford Bridge and recording back-to-back league victories. However, momentum now meets reality as several first-team players face spells on the sidelines, leaving Maresca to navigate an early-season fitness challenge.

Essugo Set for Long Layoff

Chelsea’s £18.5million summer signing Dario Essugo is one of the longer-term absentees. The midfielder sustained what the Portuguese Football Federation called a “muscle problem in his right thigh” while on Under-21 duty and has since undergone surgery. Chelsea confirmed: “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.”

Photo IMAGO

The timeline for his return points to early 2026, leaving Chelsea without a player who was signed to add dynamism and depth to midfield. His absence could push Maresca to lean more heavily on Moises Caicedo until January recruitment opportunities arise.

Delap Hamstring Blow

Liam Delap’s bright start to life at Chelsea has been interrupted by a hamstring injury that forced him off after just 15 minutes against Fulham. Maresca admitted post-match that it was typically “six to eight weeks on the sidelines” for such injuries, although further scans could yet extend the layoff. The injury arrived on the same day Christopher Nkunku completed his move to AC Milan, potentially complicating Chelsea’s attacking rotation.

Photo IMAGO

With Nicolas Jackson’s loan switch to Bayern Munich, Delap’s situation leaves Chelsea short of natural centre-forward options should the recovery take longer than first feared.

Palmer and Garnacho Updates

Cole Palmer is recovering from a groin injury picked up before the West Ham game. Having missed England duty for World Cup qualifiers, his situation is being handled cautiously. Maresca described him as “day by day” and is hopeful he will return to action before the end of September.

Photo IMAGO

Alejandro Garnacho, meanwhile, could be in line to make his Chelsea debut as early as the Brentford clash. The winger has trained with the squad during the break but is unlikely to start given his lack of pre-season minutes. A cameo from the bench appears the most probable scenario.

Photo IMAGO

Defensive Concerns Continue

Romeo Lavia and Benoit Badiashile remain out with muscle issues sustained during the Club World Cup in June. Both are targeting a return in September or October, but Maresca has tempered expectations, stressing the need to reintegrate them gradually. With Levi Colwill sidelined for much of the campaign after ACL surgery, Chelsea’s defensive depth will be tested in the coming weeks.

Squad Management Key

Maresca faces a balancing act as he looks to maintain Chelsea’s early momentum while gradually reintegrating players returning from injury. With a London derby against Brentford next and a Champions League campaign to manage, squad rotation will be crucial. The return of Palmer and Garnacho could provide a timely lift, while Essugo’s long-term absence may prompt further planning for midfield reinforcement in the winter window.

Chelsea’s season remains finely poised, and how the club handles this injury wave could define their progress in both domestic and European competition.