Chelsea injuries shape Maresca’s plans ahead of Premier League return
Chelsea return from the final international break in 2025 with a renewed sense of purpose and a lengthy medical report that reflects both relief and lingering danger. The club has endured a turbulent season marked by untimely setbacks, but there is cautious optimism as several key figures move closer to availability. As Enzo Maresca guides his team through a series of demanding matches, fitness management could define Chelsea’s momentum more than any tactical plan. This latest update provides a complete look at who is about to return, who remains sidelined, and what it all means for the weeks ahead.
Advertisement
Cole Palmer nears his pivotal comeback
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 encounter against Barcelona, a fixture that could influence their trajectory in Europe. Palmer has been struggling with a recurring groin problem since the Club World Cup, a problem that has dogged him throughout the autumn. According to Standard Sport, both the player and the club are still hopeful that he will be ready in time for the clash against Barcelona.
IMAGO Photo
A cameo against Burnley has not been completely ruled out, although attention remains focused on his return to European action. Chelsea have lacked fluidity in the final third without him so his return would be an important step forward.
Advertisement
Possible return date: November 25, 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 arriving at Chelsea. The winger, who was substituted in the 77th minute of Chelsea’s 3-0 win over Wolves, has been dealing with a groin problem. Following talks between Chelsea and the Portuguese Football Federation, he was allowed to return to Cobham to continue treatment.
“Pedro Neto and Pedro Gonçalves have been released from the national team for the matches against the Republic of Ireland and Armenia,” reads the official FPF statement.
Advertisement
“The Portuguese international winger will not join Martínez’s squad, in a decision made jointly by Chelsea’s medical department and the FPF Health and Performance Department, due to physical problems that limit the player.”
There is confidence that this period of rest will be enough to clarify the issue and have it ready for the trip to Burnley.
Possible return date: November 22, 2025 vs Burnley (A)
Meanwhile, Jamie Gittens caused a scare during England U21’s victory over the Republic of Ireland. The winger was forced off just after the hour in difficult conditions at St Andrew’s after appearing to take a knock while trying to avoid a tackle. He immediately headed down the tunnel, although initial fears have dissipated.
Advertisement
Reports now indicate that the injury was minor and Gittens is expected to continue with the England Under 21 team for their clash against Slovakia. Chelsea will continue to monitor him closely as his pace and directness have become increasingly valuable.
Possible return date: November 22, 2025 vs Burnley (A)
Concerns in the center of the field with Fernández and Lavia
Enzo Fernández continues to deal with a knee problem that has been worrying him for four months. The midfielder came on as a substitute during the win over Wolves and later confirmed he would not be joining Argentina for their international matches.
“I will not be available with Argentina,” Fernández said. “I was just talking to the medical team because I had a knee problem in the last 4 months. I arrived with 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 to get to the end of the season and I think it’s good to make this decision together. Always respecting the doctors and everything.”
Advertisement
His return date remains uncertain although Chelsea hope that the rest will alleviate the discomfort.
Possible return date: Unknown
Romeo Lavia’s misfortune continued after just five minutes in the 2-2 draw against Qarabag. His thigh injury, suffered without contact, caused immediate concern and the midfielder was immediately withdrawn. Lavia has now been ruled out for at least a month, meaning he will miss key matches at domestic and European level, including Barcelona’s double and clash with Arsenal.
Possible return date: December 2025.
Long-term problems in defense
Chelsea’s defensive options have been tested for much of the season and the updates offer a mixed picture. Benoit Badiashile remains sidelined with a muscle problem after previously impressing in appearances against Benfica and Liverpool. The Frenchman has missed seven consecutive games although Maresca has suggested he is close to returning.
Advertisement
Speaking in early October, Maresca said: “Benoit will be out until December, again due to injury. A muscle problem. He was doing fantastic, he showed all this, he showed what he needed and we are going to wait for him.”
Possible return date: December 2025.
Moving forward, Dario Essugo continues to recover from thigh surgery sustained while on duty with Portugal Under 21. Although no official timetable has been provided, reports indicate he could return early in the new year.
Possible 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 in a long-term rehabilitation plan.
Advertisement
Possible return date: summer 2026.
Joao Pedro and Estevao Willian continue forward
The international break offered a fresh dose 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 almost fully fit and is expected to play in Brazil’s friendly against Tunisia. Maresca expects both Joao Pedro and Estevao Willian to return without complications, as both could be important offensive components against Burnley.
For a team that has battled persistent physical issues since early fall, these updates provide a rare moment of clarity. Chelsea still face uncertainty over Fernandez and Lavia, but several influential players are returning at a crucial time in the season. With the Champions League resuming and the Premier League tight, Maresca will need every available option as Chelsea look to rediscover consistency.