Chelsea injury update: Cole Palmer, Estevao, Malo Gusto latest news and return dates | OneFootball

Blues dealt fresh fitness concern ahead of two big games this week

Palmer scored a penalty as Chelsea beat Brentford 2-0 on Saturday but he did not look right and is a fitness worry the Blues, who have a big 10 days coming up.

Chelsea host Pafos in the Champions League on Wednesday needing a win to boost their chances of securing a top-eight spot and automatic qualification to the knockout stage.

They then travel to Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday before going to Napoli in their final Champions League league phase game next Wednesday.

Estevao and Malo Gusto missed the Brenford game, while Tosin Adarabioyo was forced off.

Here’s the latest Chelsea injury news and potential return dates...

Cole Palmer

Palmer completed the full 90 minutes against Brentford but sparked concern at full-time when he was spotted on the floor feeling his heavily-strapped groin.

The 23-year-old has struggled with a persistent groin injury this season, as well as thigh and toe problems.

Cole Palmer has struggled with a persistent groin injury this season

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Palmer tucked away his penalty but he did not look fully fit against Brentford.

Chelsea fans will hope he was just feeling the physical impact of playing 90 minutes, though Rosenior will provide an update on his fitness when he holds a press conference on Tuesday ahead of the Pafos game.

Potential return date: January 21 vs Pafos (H)

Estevao

Having started last week’s Carabao Cup semi-final against Arsenal, Estevao was an absent against Brentford.

Rosenior explained post match that this was due to a bout of illness.

Estevao missed the Brentford game through illness

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“Yeah, he was ill,” the Chelsea boss confirmed. “It's running through the squad. There were a few, I won't say who, but there were a couple of players playing today who were complaining about their chests. They put in a magnificent effort.”

Rosenior blamed the effects of the illness for limiting his side’s “free-flowing football” and will hope Estevao is fit to make a swift return.

Potential return date: January 21 vs Pafos (H)

Malo Gusto

Malo Gusto has now missed all three of Rosenior’s matches in charge with what the new Chelsea head coach said last week was a “pain issue”.

He trained alone at Cobham at the end of last week and is expected to return to full first-team training when his “pain” has subsided.

“I can’t put a time frame on it, because there is no time frame,” Rosenior said last week.

“It’s more of a pain issue, so when he feels comfortable, that’s when he’ll be back with the group.”

Potential return date: January 21 vs Pafos (H) or January 25 vs Crystal Palace (A)

Tosin Adarabioyo

Brought into the team against Brentford, Tosin Adarabioyo put in a strong performance and dealt calmly with plenty of the Bees’ aerial deliveries.

But he was withdrawn just before the hour mark after receiving treatment for an apparent hamstring injury.

The centre-back walked off the field unaided to be replaced by Wesley Fofana, a possible good sign that the issue was not too severe.

Speaking after the match, Rosenior said the decision to substitute Adarabioyo was “precautionary”.

He added: “[Tosin] said he felt something in his hamstring. I don’t know if it’s serious. He said it felt better afterwards.”

Potential return date: Unknown

Jamie Gittens

Jamie Gittens missed out against Brentford through illness.

Chelsea have has been seeking to keep those suffering from illness away from the rest of the squad, so a few days off should help the 21-year-old work back to full fitness quickly.

Potential return date: January 21 vs Pafos (H)

Romeo Lavia

Romeo Lavia has missed much of the season with various different injury issues, the latest of which first reared its head in the Champions League match at Qarabag back in November.

Rosenior more recently confirmed that Lavia has returned to solo training at Cobham, but there was still no solid timeframe for his return.

“Romeo is on the pitch, he’s not with the group yet, but we can see him out on the grass doing his rehab,” the Chelsea manager said.

“He is looking really, really good. The most important thing for him now is to make sure we don't push him too hard, so that when he does come back, he's back for good.”

Potential return date: Unknown

Levi Colwill

Levi Colwill is still recovering from his serious knee injury.

The defender tore his ACL in pre-season and is continuing his rehabilitation after surgery.

Potential return date: Spring/summer 2026