Chelsea attacker Cole Palmer is expected to feature in the Blues’ next game against Brentford on Saturday.
The Blues have had a solid start to the season under Enzo Maresca, winning two and drawing one game after their first three. Their last game before the international break was a 2-0 win against London rivals Fulham, with goals from Joao Pedro and Enzo Fernandez.
Their next game comes against Brentford on Saturday evening. The Bees have had a tough start to the new season, and after losing Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa, many expect them to be relegation candidates.
Further bad news for Brentford is that Cole Palmer looks set to be fit for the game, despite dealing with a groin injury. He was injured during the warm-up against Fulham, but should be back at least in some capacity. Maresca most recently described him as “day to day” and he is currently being assessed ahead of Saturday.
Expected return date – Saturday 13 September vs Brentford (A)
Romeo Lavia
Midfielder Romeo Lavia hasn’t appeared yet this season, he suffered an injury during the Club World Cup, however, there is positive news, as he is back in training.
The Belgian likely won’t be available for the game against Brentford on Saturday, but he is close to coming back in time for Chelsea’s Champions League campaign to begin.
Expected return date – Saturday 27 September vs Brighton (H)
Benoit Badiashile
Much like Lavia, Badiashile suffered an injury during the Club World Cup, and he is also back in training. The pair are on very similar injury timelines.
Maresca said at the end of August: “Romeo and Benoit, I don’t think they will be back after the international break, but they will be closer.”
Expected return date – Saturday 27 September vs Brighton (H)
Liam Delap
The striker suffered an unfortunate hamstring injury which will require some time spent in recovery, the Blues recalled striker Marc Guiu from loan at Sunderland in order to cover Delap’s absence.
Maresca said after the game against Fulham: “Liam’s injury doesn’t look good. It was full speed, hamstring, so that requires weeks.”
Expected return date – Unknown
Dario Essugo
20-year-old Essugo suffered a thigh injury whilst on international duty with the Portugal U21s, and he had to return to Cobham and undergo surgery to help with recovery.
Chelsea issued a statement on Tuesday afternoon, it reads: “Midfielder Dario Essugo has undergone successful surgery today on his thigh.
“The 20-year-old sustained the injury whilst on international duty for Portugal’s Under-21s. 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.”
Expected return date – Unknown
Click here to see Chelsea’s first team squad heading out of the international break.