The Stamford Bridge team are experiencing a surge of confidence as they approach an important week, featuring matches against Barcelona and Arsenal.
The London side climbed to the second spot in the league standings after securing a 2-0 victory at Burnley on Saturday, continuing their momentum from before the international break.
Next in line for the team coached by Enzo Maresca is a significant Champions League match against Barcelona at their home ground on Tuesday.
Subsequently, the team will host Arsenal in a highly anticipated Premier League showdown on Sunday.
Cole Palmer is nearing his return but has faced a minor setback during his recovery phase.
Before the crucial week, here is the latest team wellness report and anticipated return dates…
Cole Palmer
Cole Palmer encountered a delay in his recovery from a groin issue when he suffered a toe fracture in an unusual incident at his residence the previous week.
The 23-year-old was on the cusp of making a comeback after being sidelined for two months, but he accidentally struck his left foot’s small toe against a door.
The club is optimistic that his return will not be significantly delayed, as the injury is not believed to be severe.
Cole Palmer encountered an unusual injury at home the previous week (Getty Images)
Palmer’s left footwear has been modified, with additional padding incorporated around the region of his wounded small toe, aiming to expedite his recovery.
Maresca has declared Palmer unavailable for the matches against Barcelona and Arsenal, but the club anticipates that he will be able to resume training this week.
If everything progresses favorably, the club is optimistic that Palmer might return early in the final month of the year.
The squad is scheduled to play Leeds away on December 3, followed by a trip to Bournemouth on December 6.
Maresca mentioned the previous week: “He is probably not fit for [Burnley], Barcelona, or Arsenal. It’s not a significant issue, but he won’t be back in the coming week.
“Such things can occur. He was nearing readiness. He was nearly back with us concerning the groin issue, which is very positive, but now he has this minor problem.”
Potential return date: Early December
Reece James
Enzo Maresca minimized any concerns regarding Reece James’s physical condition after the team captain was taken off at the halfway point against Burnley.
Some supporters had fears when James was substituted at Turf Moor.
Reece James was taken off at the halfway point against Burnley (Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
However, Maresca clarified that it was decided before the match for James to participate for 45 minutes and then be rested in the second half, as the team aims to “protect” his well-being.
“The intention was to manage Reece,” Maresca stated. “That’s why he played 45 minutes [only]. It was pre-arranged.
“It’s challenging because, personally, I would like Reece to continue, but we need to protect Reece.”
Potential return date: November 25, 2025 vs Barcelona (h)
Romeo Lavia
Romeo Lavia has once again been sidelined due to another injury.
Lavia sustained a quadriceps injury just four minutes into the 2-2 draw in the Champions League against Qarabag on December 5 and was ruled out for a minimum of one month.
Romeo Lavia has faced additional injury setbacks (Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
The midfield player has been unable to complete a full game for his club due to various injuries, including hamstring, thigh, and other unspecified issues.
“We feel sympathy for him,” Maresca expressed. “He’s unable to be in good shape for an extended period. We will assess the situation now.”
Potential return date: December
Dario Essugo
Dario Essugo suffered a thigh injury while playing for Portugal’s Under-21 team in September and had to undergo surgery. He is not anticipated to return until the beginning of the next year.
Potential return date: January
Levi Colwill
Levi Colwill is expected to be absent for a significant portion of the season due to a serious knee injury he incurred during the first training session after the Club World Cup.
Potential return date: Summer 2026
